Which tissue provides support for the body and connects its parts, and is commonly found under the skin and around organs?

• A. Connective tissue
• B. Nervous tissue
• C. Muscle tissue
• D. Epithelial tissue

Answer: (A)

Connective tissue provides support and links different parts of the body. Its extracellular matrix, rich in fibers like collagen, gives structure and strength, while its cells produce and organize that matrix to bind tissues together. Under the skin, you find loose connective tissue and fat in the hypodermis, which anchors the skin to underlying tissues and helps cushion and insulate. Around organs, connective tissue forms protective capsules and surrounding networks that hold organs in place and connect them to blood vessels and nerves.

Other tissue types have different primary roles: nervous tissue transmits electrical signals for communication; muscle tissue contracts to produce movement; epithelial tissue lines surfaces and forms barriers. Since this question describes a tissue that both supports the body and connects its parts, connective tissue is the best fit.