What is the primary function of nervous tissue?

The primary function of nervous tissue is to transmit information between the brain and the body. This specialized tissue comprises neurons and glial cells, working together to facilitate communication throughout the nervous system. Neurons are responsible for sending and receiving signals in the form of electrical impulses, allowing for rapid communication of sensory and motor information, coordination of bodily functions, and processing of complex signals.

The role of nervous tissue is vital for numerous bodily processes, including reflexes, sensation, and the regulation of internal functions. This capability enables organisms to react to their environment and maintain homeostasis, thus highlighting the essential nature of nervous tissue in overall physiological function.

Other options refer to different types of tissue functions; for instance, support and structure pertain to connective tissues, protection and absorption are primarily functions associated with epithelial tissues, and movement and contraction relate to muscular tissues. Each of these plays important roles in the body, but they do not embody the central function of nervous tissue, which is fundamentally about communication and information processing.