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Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures is found in the stomach but nowhere else in the alimentary canal?
A
Peyer's patches
B
Circular folds (plicae circulares)
C
Villi
D
Gastric pits
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the anatomy and function of the alimentary canal, which is the continuous tube running from the mouth to the anus, including specialized structures in different regions for digestion and absorption.
Step 2: Review the unique features of the stomach. The stomach is primarily responsible for mechanical digestion and chemical breakdown of food using gastric juices. It has specialized structures to aid in these processes.
Step 3: Learn about gastric pits. Gastric pits are invaginations in the stomach lining that lead to gastric glands. These glands secrete substances like hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, which are crucial for digestion. Gastric pits are unique to the stomach and are not found elsewhere in the alimentary canal.
Step 4: Compare gastric pits to other structures mentioned in the problem. Peyer's patches are lymphatic tissues found in the small intestine, circular folds (plicae circulares) are folds in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption, and villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that also aid in absorption. None of these are found in the stomach.
Step 5: Conclude that gastric pits are the correct answer because they are exclusive to the stomach and play a vital role in its digestive functions.