General Anatomy · Multiple Systems · Medium

Adipocyte

Meaning: A fat cell, specialised for storing energy as fat.

In practice: In obesity, adipocytes enlarge and release inflammatory signals.

Word parts

  • -cyte means a cell

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: The largest artery in the body, carrying blood from the heart.

Which word means: Slot formed by the distal tibia and fibula that holds the talus at the ankle.

Words like adipocyte come up in the daily game

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.

Related words

More general anatomy terms · All medical words