Which statement best describes the muscle tissue?

• A. The tissue is primarily involved in secretion of digestive enzymes.
• B. Long, slender and arranged in bundles or layers.
• C. It uses electrical impulses to control body activities.
• D. Consists of specialized cells called muscle fibers whose main function is contractibility.

Answer: (D)

Muscle tissue is defined by its ability to contract and generate force. It is made up of specialized, elongated cells called muscle fibers that shorten when stimulated, pulling on tendons to move bones or propel organs. This contractile capability is the defining feature across the different muscle types (skeletal, smooth, and cardiac). The statement describing muscle fibers whose main function is contractibility captures this essential role. For context, other descriptions point to different tissue functions: secretion of digestive enzymes relates to glandular tissue, while nervous tissue is focused on transmitting electrical impulses for controlling body activities. Muscle fibers do respond to electrical signals from nerves, but their primary identity is their contractile function.