Which term refers to a structure composed of tissues that performs a specific function?

• A. Organ
• B. Tissue
• C. Cell
• D. System

Answer: (A)

Think about how the body is organized: cells group into tissues, tissues come together to form organs, and organs work within organ systems. An organ is a structure made up of multiple tissue types that collaborate to perform a specific function, like the heart pumping blood or the stomach digesting food. A tissue is a collection of similar cells performing a shared role, but it isn’t a complete structure on its own. A cell is the smallest unit of life. A system is a set of organs that cooperate to carry out broader tasks. Therefore, the structure composed of tissues that performs a specific function is an organ.