MedCa Medical Assistant Practice Exam

The majority of the human skeleton is composed of connective tissue, which includes both cartilage and bone. Connective tissue is characterized by its ability to support, bind, and protect other tissues and organs in the body. In the context of the skeleton, bone is a specialized form of connective tissue that provides structure and strength, while cartilage serves as a precursor to bone in fetal development and continues to provide cushioning and support at joints throughout life.

Cartilage is indeed a significant component of the skeleton, particularly in areas like joints and growth plates, but it does not constitute the majority of the skeletal system when considering the overall composition, including hard bone tissue. Epithelial tissue primarily covers surfaces and lines cavities but does not contribute structurally to the skeleton. Nervous tissue is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body and is not structural to the skeleton at all. Therefore, recognizing that connective tissue encompasses both cartilage and bone, the correct choice emphasizes its overarching role in the structure of the human skeleton.