Which type of connective tissue is responsible for transporting nutrients and gases throughout the body?

Blood is the type of connective tissue responsible for transporting nutrients and gases throughout the body. Blood consists of various components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The red blood cells play a critical role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returning carbon dioxide from those tissues back to the lungs for exhalation. Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, helps transport nutrients, hormones, and waste products to and from cells, facilitating communication and the maintenance of homeostasis within the body.

Other connective tissues mentioned, like bone, cartilage, and adipose tissue, serve different functions. Bone provides structural support, cartilage offers flexible support in joints, and adipose tissue primarily stores energy and provides insulation. None of these tissues are involved in the systemic transport of nutrients and gases, which is the primary function of blood.