Identify the type of animal tissue responsible for transmitting messages throughout the body and briefly explain its cellular components.

The type of animal tissue responsible for transmitting messages throughout the body is nervous tissue. Its primary cellular components are: 
1. Neurons (nerve cells): These are the functional units, specialized to receive, transmit, and process information via electrical and chemical signals. Each neuron typically has a cell body (soma), dendrites (receive signals), and an axon (transmits signals). 
2. Neuroglia (glial cells): These are supportive cells that do not transmit nerve impulses but provide structural support, insulation, and metabolic assistance to neurons.