Which of the following is an example of inert soft tissue?

Fascia is classified as inert soft tissue because it primarily serves a supportive and connective function without significant capacity for contractile movement. Inert tissues, such as fascia, do not generate force or movement but are crucial for providing structure, stability, and support to muscles and other tissues surrounding them. Fascia acts as a sheath, encompassing muscles and other structures, and its role is to facilitate or limit movement as necessary, rather than actively participating in the generation of movement itself.

Other tissues listed, such as muscle and tendon, are classified as contractile soft tissues. Muscle tissue has the ability to contract and generate force, while tendons connect muscles to bones and transmit the force generated by muscles during contraction. Cartilage, while it does not contract, serves primarily as a cushion or pad between bones and is not considered inert in the same way fascia is, as it plays an essential role in joint movement and function. Therefore, fascia stands out as the correct example of inert soft tissue.