*The Storage of Nutriment.*—For some time after the taking of a meal, food materials are being absorbed more rapidly than they can be used by the cells. Following this is an interval when the body is taking no food, but during which the cells must be supplied with nourishment. It also happens that the total amount of food absorbed during a long interval may be in excess of the needs of the cells during that time; and it is always possible, as in disease, that the quantity absorbed is not equal to that consumed. To provide against emergencies, and to keep up a uniform supply of food to the cells, it is necessary that the body store up nutrients in excess of its needs. *Methods of Storage.*—The general plan of storage varies with the different nutrients as follows: 1. _The carbohydrates_ are stored in the form of _glycogen_. This, as already stated (page 120), is a substance closely resembling starch. It is stored in the cells of both the liver and the muscles, but mainly in the liver (Fig. 78). It is a chief function of the liver to collect the excess of dextrose from the blood passing through it, and to convert it into glycogen, which it then stores within its cells. It does not, however, separate all of the dextrose from the blood, a small amount being left for supplying the immediate needs of the tissues. As this is used, the glycogen in the liver is changed back to dextrose and, dissolving, again finds its way into the blood. In this way, the amount of dextrose in the blood is kept practically constant. The carbohydrates are stored also by converting them into fat. [Fig. 78] Fig. 78—*Liver cells* where is stored the glycogen. _C._ Capillaries. [Fig. 79] Fig. 79—*Stored-up fat.* The figure shows four connective tissue cells containing small particles of fat. 1. Nucleus. 2. Protoplasm. 3. Fat. 4. Connective tissue fibers. 2. _The fat_ is stored for the most part in the connective tissue. Certain of the connective tissue cells have the property of taking fat from the blood and of depositing it within their inclosing membranes (Fig. 79). When this is done to excess, and the cells become filled with fat, they form the so-called _adipose tissue_. Most of this tissue is found under the skin, between the muscles, and among the organs occupying the abdominal cavity. If one readily takes on fat, it may also collect in the connective tissue around the heart. The stored-up fat is redissolved as needed, and enters the blood, where it again becomes available to the active cells.