Which of the following is a characteristic of nerve tissue?

Nerve tissue is specialized primarily for the transmission of electrical signals, which is essential for communication within the nervous system. This characteristic allows for the rapid relay of information between different parts of the body, facilitating responses to stimuli, coordination of bodily functions, and overall integration of bodily systems.

Nerve cells, or neurons, are the fundamental units of nerve tissue, and they possess unique structures, such as axons and dendrites, that play crucial roles in conducting electrical impulses. The presence of supporting cells, called glial cells, also contributes to the efficiency of signal transmission.

In contrast, while muscle tissue is responsible for contraction and movement, and connective tissue provides structural support, these functions do not pertain to nerve tissue. Similarly, nutrient absorption is a role associated with epithelial tissue in the intestinal tract, rather than nerve tissue. This delineation highlights the specific and essential role of nerve tissue in the body’s communication processes.