Which is a function of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in the newborn?

A) Provides ready source of calories in the newborn period
B) Insulates the body against lowered environmental temperature
C) Protects the newborn from injury during the birth process
D) Generates heat for distribution to other parts of body

Brown fat is a unique source of heat for the newborn. It has a larger content of mitochondrial cytochromes and a greater capacity for heat production through intensified metabolic activity than does ordinary adipose tissue. Heat generated in brown fat is distributed to other parts of the body by the blood. It is effective in heat production only. The newborn has a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, which does not provide for conservation of heat. Brown fat is located in superficial areas such as between the scapulae, around the neck, in the axillae, and behind the sternum. These areas would not protect the newborn from injury during the birth process.