Video Transcript
What is the main function of
connective tissue? (A) To receive information from
stimuli and communicate with the spinal cord and brain via electrical impulses. (B) To contract and move parts of
the body. (C) To bind, support, and protect
structures within the body. Or (D) to provide a protective
surface for internal and external tissues.
A tissue is a group of specialized
cells that work together to carry out specific functions. There are four major types of
tissue: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue. Let’s look a bit closer at each of
these types of tissue.
Epithelial tissue lines surfaces,
like our lungs, intestines, and our inner skin, to protect them. The cells are close together to
prevent unwanted substances from getting through.
Connective tissue connects,
supports, binds, and protects structures. It is usually made up of living
cells and nonliving components. Some examples include bone, blood,
and cartilage.
Muscle tissue helps generate
movement with contractile proteins. This includes cardiac muscle that
allows our heart to beat, smooth muscle, which helps us digest food, and skeletal
muscle, which allows us to bend our arms and walk around.
Nervous tissue sends and receives
messages throughout the body. This tissue is especially found in
the brain but also everywhere else that we can feel and move.
In this question, we are asked
about connective tissue. So let’s look through the answer
choices to find the best description of connective tissue’s function. (A) describes nervous tissue, (B)
describes muscle tissue, and (D) describes epithelial tissue. So the correct answer is (C), which
describes the function of connective tissue. The main function of connective
tissue is to bind, support, and protect structures within the body.
