What do all body tissues require to survive?

All body tissues require food and oxygen to survive because these elements are crucial for cellular metabolism and overall bodily functions. Food provides the essential nutrients that cells need for energy, growth, and repair, while oxygen is vital for respiration, which is the process through which cells convert nutrients into usable energy. Without adequate food and oxygen, cells would not be able to perform their functions, leading to tissue damage and ultimately compromising the health of the entire organism.

In contrast, while water and minerals are important for body function, they are not the primary requirements for cellular energy production. Heat and sunlight are not necessary for the functioning of tissues in the same way; they can support certain biological processes, such as vitamin D synthesis, but are not essential for tissue survival. Similarly, while exercise and rest are important for maintaining overall health and the optimal functioning of body systems, they do not directly fulfill the basic survival needs of body tissues on a cellular level.