Final answer:
Muscle is not considered connective tissue. Connective tissues such as adipose, cartilage, and blood have an extracellular matrix, while muscle tissue is characterized by fibers that contract to facilitate movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question that needs to be addressed is: Which of these is not considered connective tissue? The answer is C) muscle. While cartilage, adipose, and blood are classified as types of connective tissue, muscle does not fall under this category. Connective tissue is defined by the presence of an extracellular matrix that binds and supports tissues. Adipose tissue is included as it provides energy storage, insulation, and cushioning, even though it has fewer fibers than other connective tissues. Cartilage is a supportive tissue that is flexible, provides cushioning at joints, and is part of the skeletal system. Blood is a fluid tissue with a liquid matrix known as plasma, but it does not have the supportive fibers typically seen in connective tissues.