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Ch. 23 The Digestive System
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb, Hoehn 11th EditionCh. 23 The Digestive SystemProblem 3
Chapter 23, Problem 3

The lamina propria forms part of the:
a. Muscularis externa
b. Submucosa
c. Serosa
d. Mucosa

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the layers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract wall. The main layers from inside to outside are: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa (or adventitia).
Step 2: Recall that the mucosa itself is composed of three sublayers: the epithelium (innermost lining), the lamina propria (a layer of connective tissue), and the muscularis mucosae (a thin layer of smooth muscle).
Step 3: Identify the lamina propria as the connective tissue layer that supports the epithelium and contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and immune cells.
Step 4: Recognize that the lamina propria is part of the mucosa layer, not the submucosa, muscularis externa, or serosa.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the mucosa, since the lamina propria forms part of this innermost layer of the GI tract.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lamina Propria

The lamina propria is a thin layer of loose connective tissue found beneath the epithelium of mucous membranes. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and immune cells, providing support and nourishment to the epithelium. It plays a key role in immune defense and tissue repair.
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Mucosa Layer

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract, consisting of the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. It functions in absorption, secretion, and protection, forming the interface between the lumen and underlying tissues.
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Epidermal Layers: Stratum Lucidum (Clear Layer)

Layers of the Gastrointestinal Tract

The GI tract wall is organized into four main layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa. Each layer has distinct structures and functions, with the lamina propria specifically located within the mucosa layer.
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Epidermal Layers: Stratum Lucidum (Clear Layer)
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Carbohydrates are acted on by:

a. Peptidases, trypsin, and chymotrypsin

b. Amylase, maltase, and sucrase

c. Lipases

d. Peptidases, lipases, and galactase

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Textbook Question

The peritoneal cavity:

a. Is the same thing as the abdominopelvic cavity

b. Is filled with air

c. Like the pleural and pericardial cavities is a potential space containing serous fluid

d. Contains the pancreas and all of the duodenum

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Textbook Question

Obstruction of the hepatopancreatic sphincter impairs digestion by reducing the availability of:

a. Bile and HCl

b. HCl and intestinal juice

c. Pancreatic juice and intestinal juice

d. Pancreatic juice and bile

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Textbook Question

The parasympathetic nervous system influences digestion by:

a. Relaxing smooth muscle

b. Stimulating peristalsis and secretory activity

c. Constricting sphincters

d. None of these

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Textbook Question

The digestive juice product containing enzymes capable of digesting all four major foodstuff categories is:

a. Pancreatic

b. Gastric

c. Salivary

d. Biliary

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