Which one among the following animal tissues transports hormones and heat and maintains water balance ?

Blood is a specialized fluid connective tissue responsible for several vital regulatory and transport functions. It acts as the primary medium for transporting hormones from endocrine glands to their target organs [t1][t3]. Additionally, blood plays a crucial role in thermoregulation; its high water content and constant flow help distribute heat throughout the body and maintain a stable body temperature [t3][t9]. Regarding water balance, blood plasma contains electrolytes and proteins like albumin that maintain osmotic pressure and fluid balance between the blood vessels and tissues [t3][t9]. While blood is technically a type of connective tissue [c1][t4], 'Blood' is the most specific and accurate answer among the options provided for these specific physiological functions. Other tissues like muscular and nervous tissues are primarily involved in movement and signal transmission, respectively [t2][t8].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.7 > p. 91
2. [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279392/