How are smooth muscle cells typically organized in the walls of hollow organs like the intestine?
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Correct answer: In orthogonal circular and longitudinal layers
In the muscularis externa of the digestive tract, smooth muscle is arranged in two distinct layers: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. This orthogonal orientation allows for peristalsis through coordinated waves of circular constriction and longitudinal shortening.
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More Smooth Muscle Histology questions
- Which of the following is true regarding the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in smooth muscle compared to skeletal muscle?
- Which type of smooth muscle organization involves cells acting independently and being richly innervated by individual nerve endings?
- Unitary (visceral) smooth muscle cells are functionally linked by which histological feature?
- Which intermediate filament protein is most characteristic of smooth muscle in the vascular system?
- Smooth muscle cells are capable of synthesizing which extracellular matrix components?
- Under a light microscope, how does a cross-section of smooth muscle appear compared to a longitudinal section?