Which property allows a tissue to return to its normal state following deformation?

Elasticity is the property that enables a tissue to return to its original shape and size after being deformed. This characteristic is critical in various biological tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which often undergo stretching or compression during physical activity or injury.

When a force is applied to a tissue, it may be deformed—meaning it stretches or compresses. If the tissue is elastic, once the force is removed, it will revert back to its pre-deformation state without permanent change or damage. This ability to recover is essential for maintaining joint stability and overall function in the body.

In contrast, plasticity refers to a permanent change in shape when a material is deformed beyond its elastic limit, which is not the property described in the question. Creep is the gradual deformation of a material under constant load over time, which does not imply recovery but rather ongoing change. Stiffness describes a material’s resistance to deformation under load, emphasizing how much load can be applied before deformation occurs, rather than the recovery process. Thus, elasticity is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the ability to return to the original state.