QUESTION 5 Layer of the GI tract responsible for segmentation. serosa muscularis externa submucosa lamina propria muscularis mucosae
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The Deep Dive
The layer of the GI tract responsible for segmentation is the muscularis externa. This layer contains two types of smooth muscle: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. The rhythmic contractions of these muscles mix and propel food through the digestive tract, playing a key role in digestion and absorption. Segmentation is particularly prominent in the small intestine, where food is mixed with digestive juices. This mixing enhances nutrient absorption by allowing for a longer contact time between the food and the intestinal walls, showcasing how the muscularis externa not only moves food along but also aids in breaking it down more efficiently.