What tissue type serves to react to stimuli and transmit impulses?

Nervous tissue is specialized for responding to stimuli and transmitting impulses throughout the body. It consists of neurons, which are the primary cells that can transmit electrical signals, and glial cells, which provide support and protection for neurons. When a nerve cell receives a stimulus, it generates an electrical impulse that travels along its axon to communicate with other neurons, muscles, or glands. This fundamental ability enables the nervous system to coordinate responses, process information from the environment, and regulate body functions.

Muscle tissue, while also responsive to stimuli, primarily functions in movement through contraction, rather than in the transmission of impulses. Epithelial tissue serves mainly as a protective layer and is involved in absorption and secretion, rather than in direct impulse transmission. Connective tissue supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs, but does not have the capacity to react to stimuli and transmit electrical signals. Thus, nervous tissue is the only type that fulfills the role of reacting to stimuli and conducting impulses.