Final answer:
The role not related to connective tissue is A) absorption. Connective tissue functions include strength, support, protection, transport, and insulation, but not absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of connective tissue that is NOT listed among its functions is A) absorption. Connective tissues have diverse roles including transport of water and minerals, support, protection of organs, insulation and energy storage, among others. However, absorption is not typically a function ascribed to connective tissues. Instead, this is more characteristic of epithelial tissues which line cavities and surfaces of blood vessels and organs throughout the body.
Some notable functions that connective tissues fulfill include:
- Supporting connective tissues which give strength, support, and protection to the soft parts of the body.
- Specialized fluid connective tissues for the transport of fluids, nutrients, waste, and chemical messengers.
- Encapsulating organs and joints, providing protection against infections as well as from shifting or traumatic injury.
- Storing energy in the form of fat in adipose cells which also provides thermal insulation to the body.