Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
The muscularis externa of most of the alimentary canal consists of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers of smooth muscle.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of the muscularis externa: The muscularis externa is a layer of the alimentary canal wall that is primarily responsible for peristalsis and segmentation. It typically consists of two layers of smooth muscle: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer.
2. Evaluate the statement: The statement claims that the muscularis externa of most of the alimentary canal consists of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers of smooth muscle. This is generally true for most parts of the alimentary canal, such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
3. Identify exceptions: Note that there are exceptions to this general structure. For example, in the stomach, there is an additional oblique layer of smooth muscle, making it unique compared to other parts of the alimentary canal.
4. Determine the truth of the statement: Since the statement specifies 'most of the alimentary canal,' and the described structure applies to the majority of the alimentary canal, the statement is true.
5. Conclude and correct if necessary: If the statement were false, you would need to correct it by specifying the exceptions (e.g., the stomach's additional oblique layer). However, in this case, no correction is needed as the statement is accurate.

Key Concepts

Muscularis Externa

The muscularis externa is a layer of the alimentary canal that primarily consists of two layers of smooth muscle: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. This structure is crucial for the peristaltic movements that propel food through the digestive tract. Understanding its anatomy and function is essential for analyzing statements related to the digestive system.

Alimentary Canal

The alimentary canal, also known as the gastrointestinal tract, is a continuous tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. It includes various organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, each playing a specific role in digestion and absorption. Knowledge of its structure and function is vital for evaluating statements about its components.

Smooth Muscle

Smooth muscle is a type of involuntary muscle found in various systems of the body, including the digestive tract. Unlike skeletal muscle, smooth muscle is not striated and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Its role in the muscularis externa is to facilitate the rhythmic contractions necessary for moving food along the alimentary canal.