Final answer:
Connective tissues are responsible for support and protection, transportation of nutrients, and storage of energy. They provide structural stability, facilitate the transport of vital substances throughout the body, and store energy in the form of fat. Coordination of body movements is not a direct function of connective tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functions of Connective Tissue
Connective tissues serve a variety of functions within the body. They are primarily responsible for support and protection, ensuring that organs and other tissue structures maintain their shape and are protected from damage. This includes the formation of bones that make up the skeletal system and the connective tissue sheaths that cover muscle cells.
Another vital function is the transportation of nutrients, fluids, waste, and chemical messengers throughout the body; this is accomplished by specialized fluid connective tissues such as blood and lymph. Additionally, connective tissue is essential for storage of energy, particularly in adipose cells where surplus energy is stored as fat. This stored energy also assists with thermal insulation of the body. However, coordination of body movements is not typically considered a direct function of connective tissue, as this role is mainly attributed to nervous and muscular systems.
Thus, when examining the functions of connective tissue, the following options are correct: 1) Support and protection, 2) Transportation of nutrients, and 3) Storage of energy. These highlight the significant and varied roles connective tissue plays in maintaining overall bodily function.