Overview Function storage form of fatty acids in adipose tissue Synthesis 3 fatty acids + glycerol-3-phosphate → triglyceride glycerol-3-phosphate provided by reduction of DHAP from glycolysis by adipocytes and hepatocytes phosphorylation of free glycerol by glycerol kinase only hepatocytes Catabolism triglyceride hydrolyzed into 3 fatty acids + glycerol catalyzed by hormone sensitive lipase ↑ regulated by epinephrine and cortisol ↓ regulated by insulin glycerol is a gluconeogenic substrate in the liver converted to DHAP phosphorylated into glycerol-3-phosphate, which can enter glycolysis occurs in DKA fatty acids undergo β-oxidation in liver and tissues can travel in serum complexed with albumin