Which of the following are characterized by cells surrounded by extracellular matrix?Group of answer choicesepitheliaconnective tissuenervous tissuemuscular tissue

Connective tissue is characterized by cells surrounded by extracellular matrix. This matrix is composed of fibers like collagen and elastin, and ground substance, which can be semi-fluid, gelatinous, or calcified. This matrix not only provides support and binds body parts together, but also provides a medium for nutrients and waste to diffuse between blood vessels and cells.

Epithelia, nervous tissue, and muscular tissue have different characteristics. Epithelial cells are closely packed together with little to no extracellular matrix. Nervous tissue contains neurons and supporting cells, but not a significant amount of extracellular matrix. Muscular tissue is composed of cells (muscle fibers) specialized for contraction, and while they do have some extracellular matrix it's not as prominent as in connective tissue.