What type of tissue has the ability to change its shape?

Muscle tissue is unique in its ability to change shape due to its contractile nature. This type of tissue is specialized for movement, which is essential in various bodily functions, including locomotion and circulation. Muscle fibers are organized in a way that allows them to shorten and generate force when stimulated, leading to the contraction that changes the shape of the muscle. This property is crucial for activities such as running, lifting, or even the beating of the heart.

In contrast, bone tissue provides structural support and protection but does not have the capability to change shape significantly. Nervous tissue, on the other hand, functions primarily in signal transmission rather than shape alteration, and epithelial tissue serves as a protective layer and is involved in absorption and secretion but lacks the contractile properties of muscle. The unique mechanical capabilities of muscle tissue to actively change shape during contraction distinctly set it apart from these other tissue types.