Which body tissue contracts to move body parts?

• A. Nervous tissue
• B. Epithelial tissue
• C. Muscle tissue
• D. Connective tissue

Answer: (C)

Muscle tissue is capable of contraction, which is how body parts are moved. Muscle cells contain actin and myosin filaments that slide past each other to shorten the cell when stimulated, generating force. This contractile property is what drives movement, whether it’s voluntary skeletal movements like lifting an arm, or the involuntary actions of smooth muscle in organs or the pumping action of cardiac muscle in the heart. Other tissue types serve different roles: nervous tissue handles signaling and coordination, epithelial tissue forms coverings and linings, and connective tissue provides support and structure but does not actively contract.