American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of connective tissue?

1. To produce hormones

2. To support and connect other tissues of the body

3. To control body movement

4. To facilitate nutrient absorption

The correct answer is: To support and connect other tissues of the body

The primary purpose of connective tissue is to support and connect other tissues of the body. This encompasses a variety of functions, including providing structural support, binding different tissues and organs together, and maintaining the integrity of organs. Connective tissue is diverse and includes types such as loose connective tissue, dense connective tissue, adipose tissue, cartilage, bone, and blood, each serving essential roles in the body’s framework. For example, connective tissue can help form tendons that connect muscles to bones, ligaments that connect bones to other bones, and the structure of organs themselves. While hormone production, body movement, and nutrient absorption are crucial physiological functions, they are primary roles of other tissue types. Hormones are produced by endocrine tissues, muscle tissue is responsible for body movement, and the absorption of nutrients predominately occurs in epithelial tissues within the digestive system. Thus, the function of connective tissue is accurately characterized by its role in supporting and connecting various body structures.