Gastrointestinal Questions and Answer

1.Where is the primary site for absorption of nutrients?

a. Stomach
b. Small intestine
c. Ascending colon
d. Descending colon
e. Both a and b equally

Answer: b

The small intestine is the primary site for absorption of nutrients.

2.What are the finger like projections of mucosa that are seen in the small intestine?
a. Lacteal
b. Crypts of Lieberkuhn
c. Plicae circulares
d. Striated border
e. Villi

Answer: e

There are several features of the small intestine.

The lymphatic capillary within a villus of the small intestine is a lacteal.

Crypts of Lieberkuhn are the intestinal glands.

The plica circulares is a projection with a core of submucosa. The plica circulares is also
called the valve of Kerckring.

Microvilli that are seen on the epithelial cells in the small intestine form the brush border
or striated border.

Villi are finger like projections of mucosa seen in the small intestine.

3.What is the outer layer of the GI tract called when it is abutting another organ?
a. Mucosa
b. Sub mucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Serosa
e. Adventitia

Answer: e

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. It consists of epithelium, lamina
propria, and muscularis mucosa.

The submucosa is connective tissue. Within it are lymphatic vessels and nerve
plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. It contains

Auerbach's plexus.

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells and underlying connective tissue. The adventitia is
the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the posterior abdominal
wall.

4.Where is masticatory mucosa found

a. Tongue underside
b. Hard palate
c. Soft palate
d. Lips
e. Cheek

Answer: b

The masticatory mucosa is located on the hard palate and gingiva. Lining mucosa is
found on the underside of the tongue, lips, cheek, and soft palate.

5.What is the surface layer of masticatory mucosa composed of?

a. Non keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
b. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
c. Simple squamous epithelium
d. Pseudostratified squamous epithelium
e. Both a and b

Answer: e

The masticatory mucosa is located on the hard palate and gingiva. The surface layer of
masticatory mucosa is stratified squamous epithelium. (Remember, epithelium lines
body cavities and covers body surfaces). The stratified squamous epithelium is
keratinized. However, some regions of the masticatory mucosa are covered with non-
keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and parakeratinized epithelium.
Parakeratinized epithelium is similar to keratinized epithelium, except that in
parakeratinized epithelium cell nuclei are present in the stratum corneum.

6.Which layer is NOT present in masticatory epithelium?

a. Stratum basale
b. Stratum spinosum
c. Stratum granulosum
d. Stratum lucidum
e. Stratum corneum

Answer: d

The layers of the masticatory epithelium are similar to the layers of the epidermis. The
stratum lucidum is not present in the masticatory epithelium.

The epidermis is divided into five layers: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum
granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum. The stratum basale contains the
dividing cells. This layer is also called the stratum germinativum. The stratum spinosum
consists of a layer several cells deep. The cells have pointy or spiny processes on
them. The cells in the stratum granulosum contain keratohyaline granules. The stratum
lucidum is present only in thick skin. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer. The
cells in this layer are essentially bags of keratin. They contain no nuclei or organelles.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: My favorite mnemonic for remembering the layers of
the skin: "Californian Ladies Give Superb Backrubs".

7.Which type of papillae on the tongue is the most abundant?

a. Filiform papillae
b. Circumvallate papillae
c. Fungiform papillae
d. Foliate papillae
e. All of the above

Answer: a

The papillae on the tongue are located anteriorly to the sulcus terminalis. The tongue
contains primarily three types of papillae: filiform papillae, circumvallate papillae and
fungiform papillae. The filiform papillae are the smallest and most abundant. Filiform
papillae are the only papillae on the tongue which do not contain taste buds.
Circumvallate papillae large papillae arranged in a "V" shape. Fungiform papillae are
mushroom shaped. Foliate papillae are not well developed in man and are seen on the
edges of the tongue. Taste buds are found on cicumvallate, fungiform, and foliate
papillae.

8.What is the innermost layer of the GI tract called?

a. Mucosa
b. Sub mucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Serosa
e. Adventitia

Answer: a
The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. It consists of epithelium, lamina
propria, and muscularis mucosa.

The submucosa is connective tissue. Within it are lymphatic vessels and nerve
plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. It contains

Auerbach's plexus.

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells and underlying connective tissue. The adventitia is
the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the posterior abdominal
wall.

9.What is the lymphatic capillary within a villus of the small intestine called?
a. Lacteal
b. Crypts of Lieberkuhn
c. Plicae circulares
d. Striated border
e. Villi

Answer: a

There are several features of the small intestine.

The lymphatic capillary within a villus of the small intestine is a lacteal.

Crypts of Lieberkuhn are the intestinal glands.

The plica circulares is a projection with a core of submucosa. The plica circulares is also
called the valve of Kerckring.

Microvilli that are seen on the epithelial cells in the small intestine form the brush border
or striated border.

Villi are finger like projections of mucosa seen in the small intestine.

10.Which type of papillae on the tongue is not well developed in man?

a. Filiform papillae
b. Circumvallate papillae
c. Fungiform papillae
d. Foliate papillae
e. All of the above

Answer: d
The papillae on the tongue are located anteriorly to the sulcus terminalis. The tongue
contains primarily three types of papillae: filiform papillae, circumvallate papillae and
fungiform papillae. The filiform papillae are the smallest and most abundant. Filiform
papillae are the only papillae on the tongue which do not contain taste buds.
Circumvallate papillae large papillae arranged in a "V" shape. Fungiform papillae are
mushroom shaped. Foliate papillae are not well developed in man and are seen on the
edges of the tongue. Taste buds are found on cicumvallate, fungiform, and foliate
papillae.

1.Which cranial nerve is responsible for taste to the posterior 1/3 of the tongue?
a. V
b. VII
c. IX
d. X
e. XII

Answer: c

2.Which cranial nerve to the tongue is responsible for movement?

a. V
b. VII
c. IX
d. X
e. XII

Answer: e

3.Which cranial nerve is responsible for general sensation to the anterior 2/3 of the
tongue?
a. V
b. VII
c. IX
d. X
e. XII

Answer: a

4.Which cranial nerve is responsible for taste to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue?
a. V
b. VII
c. IX
d. X
e. XII

Answer: b
5.Which cranial nerve is responsible for general sensation to the posterior 1/3 of
the tongue?
a. V
b. VII
c. IX
d. X
e. XII

Answer: c

Cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve) is responsible for general sensation to the anterior
2/3 of the tongue. Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve) is responsible for taste sensation from
the anterior 2/3 of the tongue. Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) is responsible
for taste sensation from the posterior 1/3 of the tongue. Cranial nerve IX is also
responsible for general sensation from the posterior 1/3 of the tongue. Cranial nerve XII
(hypoglossal nerve) innervates the muscles of the tongue thereby eliciting movement of
the tongue.

6.What covers the tooth that is embedded within the jaw?

a. Pulp cavity
b. Dentin
c. Dental pulp
d. Cementum
e. Enamel

Answer: d

The central portion of a tooth is the pulp cavity. The pulp cavity is surrounded by dentin.
Within the pulp cavity is a soft tissue, called dental pulp. Cementum covers the part of
the tooth that is within the jaw. Enamel covers the part of the tooth within the oral cavity.

7.What is within the pulp cavity?

a. Pulp cavity
b. Dentin
c. Dental pulp
d. Cementum
e. Enamel

Answer: c

The central portion of a tooth is the pulp cavity. The pulp cavity is surrounded by dentin.
Within the pulp cavity is a soft tissue, called dental pulp. Cementum covers the part of
the tooth that is within the jaw. Enamel covers the part of the tooth within the oral cavity.

8.What is the central portion of a tooth called?

a. Pulp cavity
b. Dentin
c. Dental pulp
d. Cementum
e. Enamel

Answer: a

The central portion of a tooth is the pulp cavity. The pulp cavity is surrounded by dentin.
Within the pulp cavity is a soft tissue, called dental pulp. Cementum covers the part of
the tooth that is within the jaw. Enamel covers the part of the tooth within the oral cavity.

9.What covers the visible portion of a tooth ?

a. Pulp cavity
b. Dentin
c. Dental pulp
d. Cementum
e. Enamel

Answer: e

The central portion of a tooth is the pulp cavity. The pulp cavity is surrounded by dentin.
Within the pulp cavity is a soft tissue, called dental pulp. Cementum covers the part of
the tooth that is within the jaw. Enamel covers the part of the tooth within the oral cavity.

10.What surrounds the pulp cavity?

a. Pulp cavity
b. Dentin
c. Dental pulp
d. Cementum
e. Enamel

Answer: b

The central portion of a tooth is the pulp cavity. The pulp cavity is surrounded by dentin.
Within the pulp cavity is a soft tissue, called dental pulp. Cementum covers the part of
the tooth that is within the jaw. Enamel covers the part of the tooth within the oral cavity.

1.Which layer contains the lamina propria?

a. Mucosa
b. Sub mucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Serosa
e. Adventitia
Answer: a

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. It consists of epithelium, lamina
propria, and muscularis mucosa.

The submucosa is connective tissue. Within it are lymphatic vessels and nerve
plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. It contains

Auerbach's plexus.

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells and underlying connective tissue. The adventitia is
the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the posterior abdominal
wall.

2.What is another term for the valve of Kerckring?

a. Lacteal
b. Crypts of Lieberkuhn
c. Plicae circulares
d. Striated border
e. Villi

Answer: c

There are several features of the small intestine.

The lymphatic capillary within a villus of the small intestine is a lacteal.

Crypts of Lieberkuhn are the intestinal glands.

The plica circulares is a projection with a core of submucosa. The plica circulares is also
called the valve of Kerckring.

Microvilli that are seen on the epithelial cells in the small intestine form the brush border
or striated border.

Villi are finger like projections of mucosa seen in the small intestine.

3.Which type of papillae on the tongue is the smallest?

a. Filiform papillae
b. Circumvallate papillae
c. Fungiform papillae
d. Foliate papillae
e. All of the above
Answer: a

The papillae on the tongue are located anteriorly to the sulcus terminalis. The tongue
contains primarily three types of papillae: filiform papillae, circumvallate papillae and
fungiform papillae. The filiform papillae are the smallest and most abundant. Filiform
papillae are the only papillae on the tongue which do not contain taste buds.
Circumvallate papillae large papillae arranged in a "V" shape. Fungiform papillae are
mushroom shaped. Foliate papillae are not well developed in man and are seen on the
edges of the tongue. Taste buds are found on cicumvallate, fungiform, and foliate
papillae.

4.Where are Peyer's patches located?

a. Esophagus
b. Stomach
c. Small intestine
d. Large intestine
e. Rectum

Answer: c

Peyer's patches are large nodules of lymphatic tissue. They are seen in the
small intestine.

5.What type of muscle makes up the muscularis externa in the esophagus?

a. Smooth
b. Striated
c. Cardiac
d. both a and b
e. a, b, and c.

Answer: d

The muscularis externa in the upper third of the esophagus is composed of striated
muscle and in the lower third it is smooth muscle. The middle third is a blend.

6.What are mucous surface cells?

a. Simple squamous epithelium
b. Simple cuboidal epithelium
c. Simple columnar epithelium
d. Stratified squamous epithelium
e. Transitional epithelium

Answer: c

The epithelium on the stomach is lined by mucous surface cells which are a simple
columnar epithelium.
7.Which layer consists of only a single layer of epithelial cells and underlying
connective tissue?
a. Mucosa
b. Sub mucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Serosa
e. Adventitia

Answer: d

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. It consists of epithelium, lamina
propria, and muscularis mucosa.

The submucosa is connective tissue. Within it are lymphatic vessels and nerve
plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. It contains

Auerbach's plexus.

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells and underlying connective tissue. The adventitia is
the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the posterior abdominal
wall.

8.What is another term for the brush border?

a. Lacteal
b. Crypts of Lieberkuhn
c. Plicae circulares
d. Striated border
e. Villi

Answer: d

There are several features of the small intestine.

The lymphatic capillary within a villus of the small intestine is a lacteal.

Crypts of Lieberkuhn are the intestinal glands.

The plica circulares is a projection with a core of submucosa. The plica circulares is also
called the valve of Kerckring.

Microvilli that are seen on the epithelial cells in the small intestine form the brush border
or striated border.
Villi are finger like projections of mucosa seen in the small intestine.

9.Which type of papillae on the tongue is arranged in a "V" shape on the tongue?
a. Filiform papillae
b. Circumvallate papillae
c. Fungiform papillae
d. Foliate papillae
e. All of the above

Answer: b

The papillae on the tongue are located anteriorly to the sulcus terminalis. The tongue
contains primarily three types of papillae: filiform papillae, circumvallate papillae and
fungiform papillae. The filiform papillae are the smallest and most abundant. Filiform
papillae are the only papillae on the tongue which do not contain taste buds.
Circumvallate papillae large papillae arranged in a "V" shape. Fungiform papillae are
mushroom shaped. Foliate papillae are not well developed in man and are seen on the
edges of the tongue. Taste buds are found on cicumvallate, fungiform, and foliate
papillae.

10.Which cells secrete intrinsic factor?

a. Parietal cells
b. Oxyntic cells
c. Chief cells
c. Mucous neck cells
e. Both a and b

Answer: e

Chief cells secrete pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is the precursor for pepsin. Parietal cells
are also called oxyntic cells. They secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Mucous
neck cells contain mucinogen granules.

1.Which layer contains the lining epithelium?

a. Mucosa
b. Sub mucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Serosa
e. Adventitia

Answer: a

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. It consists of epithelium, lamina
propria, and muscularis mucosa.
The submucosa is connective tissue. Within it are lymphatic vessels and nerve
plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. It contains

Auerbach's plexus.

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells and underlying connective tissue. The adventitia is
the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the posterior abdominal
wall.

2.Which type of papillae on the tongue does NOT contain taste buds?
a. Filiform papillae
b. Circumvallate papillae
c. Fungiform papillae
d. Foliate papillae
e. All of the above

Answer: a

The papillae on the tongue are located anteriorly to the sulcus terminalis. The tongue
contains primarily three types of papillae: filiform papillae, circumvallate papillae and
fungiform papillae. The filiform papillae are the smallest and most abundant. Filiform
papillae are the only papillae on the tongue which do not contain taste buds.
Circumvallate papillae large papillae arranged in a "V" shape. Fungiform papillae are
mushroom shaped. Foliate papillae are not well developed in man and are seen on the
edges of the tongue. Taste buds are found on cicumvallate, fungiform, and foliate
papillae.

3.Which layer contains Auerbach's plexus?

a. Mucosa
b. Sub mucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Serosa
e. Adventitia

Answer: c

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. It consists of epithelium, lamina
propria, and muscularis mucosa.

The submucosa is connective tissue. Within it are lymphatic vessels and nerve
plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. It contains

Auerbach's plexus.
The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells and underlying connective tissue. The adventitia is
the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the posterior abdominal
wall.

4.Which cells secrete hydrochloric acid?

a. Parietal cells
b. Oxyntic cells
c. Chief cells
d. Mucous neck cells
e. Both a and b

Answer: e

Chief cells secrete pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is the precursor for pepsin. Parietal cells
are also called oxyntic cells. They secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Mucous
neck cells contain mucinogen granules.

5.What is another term for the intestinal glands?

a. Lacteal
b. Crypts of Lieberkuhn
c. Plicae circulares
d. Striated border
e. Villi

Answer: b

There are several features of the small intestine.

The lymphatic capillary within a villus of the small intestine is a lacteal.

Crypts of Lieberkuhn are the intestinal glands.

The plica circulares is a projection with a core of submucosa. The plica circulares is also
called the valve of Kerckring.

Microvilli that are seen on the epithelial cells in the small intestine form the brush border
or striated border.

Villi are finger like projections of mucosa seen in the small intestine.

6.Which organ has a mucosa lined by nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium?

a. Esophagus
b. Stomach
c. Small intestine
d. Large intestine
e. Rectum

The mucosa of the esophagus is mucosa lined by nonkeratinized stratified squamous

epithelium.

7.What are the folds of the stomach called?

a. Ruffled border
b. Taeniae coli
c. Gastric glands
d. Rugae
e. Gastric pits

The folds of the empty stomach are called rugae.

8.Which type of papillae on the tongue is mushroom shaped?

a. Filiform papillae
b. Circumvallate papillae
c. Fungiform papillae
d. Foliate papillae
e. All of the above

Answer: c

The papillae on the tongue are located anteriorly to the sulcus terminalis. The tongue
contains primarily three types of papillae: filiform papillae, circumvallate papillae and
fungiform papillae. The filiform papillae are the smallest and most abundant. Filiform
papillae are the only papillae on the tongue which do not contain taste buds.
Circumvallate papillae large papillae arranged in a "V" shape. Fungiform papillae are
mushroom shaped. Foliate papillae are not well developed in man and are seen on the
edges of the tongue. Taste buds are found on cicumvallate, fungiform, and foliate
papillae.

9.Which layer contains the muscularis mucosa?

a. Mucosa
b. Sub mucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Serosa
e. Adventitia

Answer: a

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. It consists of epithelium, lamina
propria, and muscularis mucosa.

The submucosa is connective tissue. Within it are lymphatic vessels and nerve
plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. It contains

Auerbach's plexus.

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells and underlying connective tissue. The adventitia is
the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the posterior abdominal
wall.

10.What are microvilli called that are seen in the small intestine?
a. Lacteal
b. Crypts of Lieberkuhn
c. Plicae circulares
d. Striated border
e. Villi

Answer: d

There are several features of the small intestine.

The lymphatic capillary within a villus of the small intestine is a lacteal.

Crypts of Lieberkuhn are the intestinal glands.

The plica circulares is a projection with a core of submucosa. The plica circulares is also
called the valve of Kerckring.

Microvilli that are seen on the epithelial cells in the small intestine form the brush border
or striated border.

Villi are finger like projections of mucosa seen in the small intestine.

1.Which layer of the gastrointestinal tract contains the gut associated lymphatic
tissue?
a. Mucosa
b. Submucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Muscularis mucosae
e. Serosa

Answer: a

The layers of the GI tract are: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa or
adventitia.
The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. The mucosa consists of a lining
epithelium, lamina propria and muscularis mucosae. Gut associated lymphatic tissue
(GALT) is found in the mucosa and sometimes extends into the submucosa.

The submucosa is comprised of dense irregular connective tissue. Within the

submucosa are lymphatic vessels and nerve plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in
the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. The myenteric plexus
of Auerbach is located in the muscularis externa.

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells (mesothelium) and underlying connective tissue.
The adventitia is the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the
posterior abdominal wall.

2.Which cells secrete pepsinogen?

a. Parietal cells
b. Oxyntic cells
c. Chief cells
d. Mucous neck cells
e. Both a and b

Answer: c

Chief cells secrete pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is the precursor for pepsin. Parietal cells
are also called oxyntic cells. They secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Mucous
neck cells contain mucinogen granules.

3.Which layer contains Meissner's plexus?

a. Mucosa
b. Sub mucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Serosa
e. Adventitia

Answer: b

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. It consists of epithelium, lamina
propria, and muscularis mucosa.

The submucosa is connective tissue. Within it are lymphatic vessels and nerve
plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. It contains

Auerbach's plexus.

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells and underlying connective tissue. The adventitia is
the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the posterior abdominal
wall.

4.What type of tissue lines most of the gastrointestinal tract?

a. Simple squamous epithelium
b. Simple cuboidal epithelium
c. Simple columnar epithelium
d. Stratified squamous epithelium
e. Transitional epithelium

Answer: c

The lining of the gastrointestinal tract is simple columnar epithelium. Epithelium lines
body cavities and surfaces. Simple columnar epithelium is "simple" because it is one
cell thick. "Columnar" cells are taller than they are wide and have an oval nucleus.

5.What type of tissue lines the upper esophagus?

a. Simple squamous epithelium
b. Simple cuboidal epithelium
c. Simple columnar epithelium
d. Stratified squamous epithelium
e. Transitional epithelium

Answer: d

The lining of the upper esophagus is stratified squamous epithelium. Epithelium lines
body cavities and surfaces. Stratified squamous epithelium is "stratified" because it is
more than one cell layer thick. "Squamous" refers to the fact that the surface cells of the
layer are flat.

6.What are the modifications of the muscularis externa that is seen on the large
intestine?
a. Teniae coli
b. Crypts of Lieberkuhn
c. Plicae circulares
d. Striated border
e. Villi

Answer: a

The modifications of the muscularis externa seen on the large intestine are called teniae
coli.
The lymphatic capillary within a villus of the small intestine is a lacteal.

Crypts of Lieberkuhn are the intestinal glands.

The plicae circulares is a projection with a core of submucosa. The plicae circulares is
also called the valve of Kerckring.

Microvilli that are seen on the epithelial cells in the small intestine form the brush
border or striated border.

Villi are finger like projections of mucosa seen in the small intestine.

7.Where are Brunner's glands located?

a. Esophagus
b. Stomach
c. Small intestine
d. Large intestine
e. Rectum

Answer: c

Brunner's glands are glands in the submucosa of the small intestine.

8.What is the primary cell of the intestinal epithelium of the large intestine?
a. Columnar absorptive cell
b. Goblet cell
c. Parietal cells
d. Paneth cells
e. Chief cells

Answer: a

The major cell of the lining epithelium of the large intestine is the columnar absorptive
cell.

9.Which region are goblet cells most numerous?

a. Esophagus
b. Stomach
c. Small intestine
d. Large intestine
e. Anus

Answer: d

Goblet cells are most numerous in the large intestine

10.Where is mesothelium found?
a. Mucosa
b. Sub mucosa
c. Muscularis externa
d. Serosa
e. Adventitia

Answer: d

The layers of the GI tract are: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa or
adventitia.

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. The mucosa consists of a lining
epithelium, lamina propria and muscularis mucosae. Gut associated lymphatic tissue
(GALT) is found in the mucosa and sometimes extends into the submucosa.

The submucosa is comprised of dense irregular connective tissue. Within the

submucosa are lymphatic vessels and nerve plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in
the submucosa.

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. The myenteric plexus
of Auerbach is located in the muscularis externa.

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of
only a single layer of epithelial cells (mesothelium) and underlying connective tissue.
The adventitia is the outer layer of the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the
posterior abdominal wall.