Specialized cells of like kind in the body are referred to as?

Specialized cells of like kind in the body are referred to as tissues because tissues are groups of similar cells that perform a specific function together. For example, muscle tissue consists of muscle cells that work together to enable movement, while epithelial tissue forms protective layers and coverings on the body surfaces and organs. This classification is essential in understanding how cells group together to form more complex structures, such as organs, which are made up of different types of tissues working collaboratively.

The other terms, such as organs and systems, refer to larger structures and combinations of various types of tissues working together to perform complex functions, rather than the grouping of similar cells. Fibers, while they can refer to certain structures like nerve fibers or muscle fibers, do not encapsulate the broader concept of similar cells functioning as a unit, which is what tissues represent. Thus, tissue is the correct term for specialized cells of like kind.