Equine Physiology Workbook

B) Submucosa

 Consists areolar connective tissue that binds the mucosa to the muscularis.  Contains many blood and lymphatic vessels that receive absorbed food molecules.  Extensive network of neurons known as Submucosal Plexus  This layer also contains glands and lymphatic tissue.

C) Mucularis

 Muscularis of the mouth, pharynx, superior and middle parts of the esophagus contain skeletal muscle producing voluntary swallowing. Skeletal muscle also forms the external anal sphincter permitting voluntary defecation.  Smooth muscle for the rest of the tract. Generally, found in 2 sheets: Inner circular and outer longitudinal fibres.  Involuntary contractions of the smooth muscle help to break down food, mix it with digestive secretions, and propel it along the tract.  Second plexus located b/t the two sheets called Myenteric Plexus .

D) Serosa

 Those portions of the GI tract suspend within the abdominopelvic cavity have a superficial layer called Serosa (aka) Visceral Peritoneum .  Esophagus lacks a serosa; instead only a single layer of areolar connective tissue called Adventitia forms the superficial layer of this organ.

360

Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software