What is the primary role of connective tissue?

The primary role of connective tissue is to bind and support other tissues and organs in the body. This type of tissue provides structural support, which helps maintain the shape and integrity of various bodily structures. Additionally, connective tissue plays a crucial role in protecting organs and insulating the body. It also facilitates the transportation of substances through the bloodstream, as blood is a specialized form of connective tissue. The various types of connective tissues, including bone, adipose (fat) tissue, blood, and cartilage, each contribute to these essential functions with their unique properties.

The other options refer to functions that are characteristic of different types of tissues. For example, the transport of electrical impulses is primarily associated with nervous tissue. The production of hormones is a function of endocrine organs and glandular epithelial tissue. Neural signals are also conducted by nervous tissue rather than connective tissue. Thus, the choice about binding, supporting, protecting, insulating, and transporting is the most comprehensive and accurate representation of the primary role of connective tissue in the body.