Which of the following is NOT a type of tissue?

The correct choice is based on understanding the classification of different types of biological tissues in the human body. Epithelial, nervous, and muscle are all recognized categories of tissue that perform specific functions in the body.

Epithelial tissue primarily covers body surfaces and lines cavities, providing protection, absorption, and secretion. Nervous tissue is involved in transmitting signals throughout the body, playing a crucial role in communication and coordination. Muscle tissue is responsible for movement, with different types (such as skeletal, smooth, and cardiac) contributing to various functions, including voluntary movement and involuntary processes like digestion.

Cartilage, on the other hand, is not classified as a tissue type itself but rather as a specific type of connective tissue. Connective tissues support, bind together, and protect tissues and organs in the body, and cartilage has a structure and function that fits within this category. Therefore, identifying cartilage as a separate tissue type rather than a form of connective tissue is why it stands out in this context.

By understanding these classifications, one can see how epithelial, nervous, and muscle tissues are distinct and recognized types of tissue, whereas cartilage belongs to a broader category that includes various forms of connective tissue.