State whether each of the following describes epithelial, connective, muscle, or nervous tissue.


a. ____ECM is often the primary element.         
b. ____Consists of excitable cells that are specialized for contraction.         
c. ____Sheets of tightly packed cells with little ECM.         
d. ____Makes up the majority of the brain and spinal cord.         
e. ____Cells may be smooth or striated. ​​​​          
f. ____Binds, connects, supports, and transports substances throughout the body.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the tissue type where the extracellular matrix (ECM) is often the primary element. This is characteristic of connective tissue, which has a significant amount of ECM compared to other tissue types.
2. Determine which tissue consists of excitable cells specialized for contraction. This describes muscle tissue, which includes cells that can contract and generate force.
3. Recognize the tissue type that forms sheets of tightly packed cells with little ECM. This is typical of epithelial tissue, which covers surfaces and lines cavities.
4. Identify the tissue that makes up the majority of the brain and spinal cord. This is nervous tissue, which is specialized for communication and processing information.
5. Consider the tissue type where cells may be smooth or striated. This refers to muscle tissue, which includes both smooth muscle (non-striated) and striated muscle (skeletal and cardiac).

Key Concepts

Epithelial Tissue

Epithelial tissue consists of sheets of tightly packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix (ECM). It serves as a protective barrier and is involved in absorption, secretion, and sensation. This type of tissue lines surfaces and cavities throughout the body, including the skin and the lining of organs.

Muscle Tissue

Muscle tissue is composed of excitable cells that are specialized for contraction, enabling movement. There are three types of muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth, each with distinct structures and functions. Skeletal muscle is striated and under voluntary control, while cardiac and smooth muscle are involuntary.

Connective Tissue

Connective tissue is characterized by a significant amount of extracellular matrix, which provides structural support and binds other tissues together. It includes various types such as bone, blood, and adipose tissue, and plays crucial roles in support, protection, and transportation of substances throughout the body.