Question

Cells of ____ can shorten (contract). A. epithelial tissue B. connective tissue C. muscle tissue D. nervous tissue

Short answer

The correct answer is C. Muscle tissue.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Tissue Types

Familiarize yourself with the four main types of tissues in the human body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue. Each type has distinct functions and characteristics.

Analyzing Epithelial Tissue

Epithelial tissue is primarily responsible for covering body surfaces, lining organs and cavities, and forming glands. It does not have the ability to contract.

Analyzing Connective Tissue

Connective tissue supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs of the body. It includes bone, blood, and adipose tissue, but it is not specialized for contraction.

Analyzing Muscle Tissue

Muscle tissue is specialized for contraction. It enables movement of various parts of the body and includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissues.

Analyzing Nervous Tissue

Nervous tissue is responsible for transmitting electrical signals throughout the body. It aids in communication between different body parts but is not capable of contraction.

Conclusion Based on Analysis

Based on the analysis of each tissue type, muscle tissue is the only type capable of contraction. This characteristic allows it to facilitate movement and maintain posture.

Key concepts

Epithelial Tissue

Epithelial tissue is a fascinating category of tissue that plays a vital role in protecting our bodies. Think of it as a protective shield that covers surfaces and lines organs and cavities. This tissue type forms the outer layer of your skin as well as the lining of your digestive tract among other organs. It serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and physical damage.

Epithelial tissue is also crucial in forming glands. These glands secrete essential substances such as hormones and enzymes. Despite its many roles, epithelial tissue does not have the ability to contract. It does not change shape or size on its own, unlike muscle tissue, which is specialized for movement.

Key functions of epithelial tissue include:

• Protection: Acts as a barrier to mechanical injury and pathogens.
• Absorption: Allows for the uptake of nutrients and water.
• Secretion: Glandular epithelium releases enzymes and hormones.
• Excretion: Aids in the removal of waste products.

Connective Tissue

Connective tissue is like the glue that holds our body together. It supports, binds, and protects the various tissues and organs. This type of tissue includes diverse substances such as blood, bone, cartilage, and fat (adipose tissue). Each of these plays a unique role in maintaining the body's integrity and function.

Connective tissues are composed of cells, fibers, and a main component known as the ground substance. These components work together to form the extracellular matrix, which gives connective tissues their strength and elasticity. For example, bone tissue provides structural support, while adipose tissue stores energy and insulates the body.

Despite its crucial roles, connective tissue is not designed to contract like muscle tissue. Instead, it facilitates the functional and structural support of other tissues in the body.

Key characteristics of connective tissue include:

• Binding Support: Connects tissues and organs.
• Protection: Shields delicate organs.
• Insulation: Stores energy and maintains body temperature.
• Transport: Blood, a liquid connective tissue, transports nutrients and waste.

Nervous Tissue

Nervous tissue is the key player in coordinating and controlling bodily functions. It's like the human body's electrical wiring, responsible for transmitting electrical signals between different body parts. This tissue type is made up of specialized cells called neurons and supportive cells known as glial cells.

Neurons are the primary cells that communicate by conducting nerve impulses. They have unique structures, such as dendrites and axons, that facilitate the reception and transmission of signals. Glial cells, on the other hand, provide support and nutrition to neurons, maintain homeostasis, and form myelin, which helps speed up signal transmission.

While nervous tissue is essential for message transmission and response to stimuli, it does not have the capability to contract. Its primary role is communication, a function as vital as movement in maintaining bodily harmony.

Key features of nervous tissue include:

• Signal Transmission: Carries impulses throughout the body.
• Cell Support: Glial cells ensure neuron functionality and repair.
• Communication: Connects the brain and spinal cord with the rest of the body.
• Response Coordination: Allows the body to react to internal and external stimuli.