Which of the following organs has 3 layers of smooth muscle in its muscularis externa?
A. small intestine
B. esophagus
C. stomach
D. large intestine
C. stomach
- Correct: The stomach has three layers of smooth muscle in its muscularis externa, which is the muscular layer of the gastrointestinal tract responsible for peristalsis and mixing of food. These muscle layers are arranged in longitudinal, circular, and oblique orientations, allowing for the mechanical processing of ingested food and the propulsion of food through the digestive tract. This muscular arrangement contributes to the stomach's ability to churn and mix food with gastric juices during digestion.
A. small intestine
- Incorrect: While the small intestine does have smooth muscle in its muscularis externa, it typically has two layers of smooth muscle: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer.
B. esophagus
- Incorrect: The esophagus also has smooth muscle in its muscularis externa, but it typically has two layers of smooth muscle: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer.
D. large intestine
- Incorrect: The large intestine, like the small intestine, typically has two layers of smooth muscle in its muscularis externa: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.