Final answer:
Muscle tissue is capable of contracting or shortening due to the presence of specialized cells called muscle fibers. These fibers contain the proteins actin and myosin, which enable contraction and movement. Muscle tissue includes three types: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac, facilitating both voluntary and involuntary movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of tissue that has the unique ability to contract or shorten is muscle tissue. Muscle tissue is made up of specialized cells known as muscle fibers, which are capable of contracting due to the interaction of the proteins actin and myosin within these cells. This action enables the body to move, as muscles attached to bones can pull on these attachment points to generate movement.
Muscle tissue not only possesses contractility, allowing it to shorten with force, but also extensibility and elasticity. Extensibility enables muscle tissue to stretch or extend, while elasticity allows it to return to its original length when the contracting force is removed. These properties contribute to the overall function of muscles, which in turn support a wide range of movements, from walking and running to the beating of the heart.
There are three types of muscle tissue: skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle. Skeletal muscle movement is often voluntary, under conscious control, whereas smooth and cardiac muscle movements are usually involuntary, operating without conscious control.