The structure and function of brown adipose tissue in the neonate

Presented is a discussion of brown adipose cell structure as compared to that of the white adipose cell, the role which brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays in thermoregulation, the physiologic mechanisms which control BAT heat generation, and the proposed biochemical processes which are responsible for heat production in the cell. Based on the physiology of BAT thermogenesis, specific nursing measures to minimize cold stimuli are recommended.