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How does the subcutis cushion and insulate the human body?

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A pangolin walks through grass with a blue circle around it and the word endangered written in white across the image. — Integument The pangolin is the only mammal in the world covered in scales.

The subcutis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, is the deepest layer of the human skin and serves as a critical interface between the body's surface and underlying structures.1

It cushions and insulates the body primarily through the presence of adipose tissue, which consists of fat cells specialized to store energy. This layer acts as a physical buffer, providing a protective cushion for the body. Furthermore, white adipose tissue—the most common type found in this layer—functions as thermal insulation, helping the body retain heat and maintain internal temperature.21

While the subcutis provides this passive insulation, it is distinct from brown adipose tissue, which is specialized for generating heat through nonshivering thermogenesis rather than providing insulation. By storing fat, the subcutis not only protects and insulates but also serves as a vital energy reserve for the body.231