American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of connective tissue?

1. To produce movement

2. To conduct impulses

3. To connect and support various body structures

4. To form skin and lining of organs

The correct answer is: To connect and support various body structures

The primary function of connective tissue is to connect and support various body structures. This broad category of tissue plays several critical roles that include providing structural support, binding together different types of tissues, and facilitating communication between them. Connective tissue encompasses a diverse range of tissues, including bone, blood, cartilage, and adipose tissue, all of which contribute to the overall stability and functionality of the body's systems. Through this support, connective tissues help maintain the integrity of organs and structures, enable nutrient transport (as with blood), and provide a framework for the body. Other options, such as movement or impulse conduction, pertain more closely to muscle tissue and nervous tissue, respectively. While skin and the lining of organs involve epithelial tissues, connective tissue serves foundational roles in anchoring and protecting these structures rather than being responsible for their formation. Thus, the primary role of connective tissue remains in support and connection throughout the body.