The tissue shown in the image is which tissue type?

• A. Bone marrow
• B. Skeletal muscle
• C. Adipose tissue
• D. Nervous tissue

Answer: (A)

This tissue is bone marrow, recognized by its high cellularity and mixed population of developing blood cells embedded in a loose reticular supporting network, with adipocytes scattered throughout. The image would show many small, dark-staining hematopoietic cells at various stages of maturation, reflecting ongoing blood cell formation, alongside pale circular spaces where fat cells reside. This combination of a delicate stromal framework, numerous hematopoietic precursors, and fat cells is classic for marrow.

In contrast, skeletal muscle would display long, aligned fibers with striations and multiple peripheral nuclei; adipose tissue would appear as large, clear cells with a thin rim of cytoplasm and a displaced nucleus; nervous tissue would show neuron cell bodies with prominent nuclei and surrounding glial cells along with processes.