Multiple Choice
Which body systems are primarily involved in the process of taking in nutrients and expelling waste from the body?
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23. The Digestive System
Introduction to the Digestive System
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Which layer of the digestive tract contains blood vessels and nerve cells?
A
Submucosa
B
Muscularis externa
C
Mucosa
D
Serosa
Verified step by step guidance1
Begin by understanding the structure of the digestive tract, which consists of four main layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa.
The mucosa is the innermost layer and is primarily involved in secretion and absorption. It does not contain significant blood vessels or nerve cells.
The submucosa is the layer directly beneath the mucosa. It is rich in connective tissue and contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerve cells, specifically the submucosal plexus, which is part of the enteric nervous system.
The muscularis externa is responsible for peristalsis and segmentation movements. It consists of smooth muscle layers but does not primarily contain blood vessels or nerve cells.
The serosa is the outermost layer, providing protection and structural support, but it does not contain blood vessels or nerve cells. Therefore, the submucosa is the correct answer as it contains both blood vessels and nerve cells.
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