Question

The body tissue that consists largely of material located outside of cells is

(A) epithelial tissue.

(B) connective tissue.

(C) muscle tissue.

(D) nervous tissue.

Short answer

(A) The option “epithelial tissue” is false.

(B) The option “connective tissue” is true.

(C) The option “muscle tissue” is false.

(D) The option “nervous tissue” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Body tissue

The group of cells with identical gene expression with similar structural and functional features is called tissue. They work together to form an organ. The tissues of the human body are categorized into four types based on their function and structure. They are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

The tightly packed cells which are widespread throughout the body are epithelial cells. The intracellular space between epithelial cells is significantly less due to their coverings and linings.

Therefore, the epithelial cells comprise only one free surface, and it does not show contact with other cells or any other material.

Thus, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

The tissue that supports and connects the organ system and all other tissue is known as connective tissue. The extracellular matrix in connective tissue is abundant. The extracellular matrix is composed of fibroblasts and various types of proteins. Substances of the different tissues are exchanged through connective tissues.

Therefore, connective tissue contains various types of materials outside the cell too.

Thus, the given option is true.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Muscle tissue consists of long and slender cells. They are tightly arranged and have the ability to shorten or contract to enable movement. The cells of the muscle have access to blood.

Therefore, due to the compact arrangement of muscle cells, there is no extracellular material.

Thus, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

The coordination of body activities is regulated by specialized brain tissue called nervous tissue. They are made of nerve cells. The neurons and ganglia form the extracellular matrix. However, the materials present outside the nervous tissue are not more extensive than the connective tissue.

Therefore, nervous tissue does not comprise more material outside the cells than that of the connective tissue.

Thus, the given option is false.