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Which nerve plexus sits in the muscularis layer and sets the rhythm and force of its contractions?
AThe submucosal plexus of Meissner
BThe celiac trunk of the abdomen
CThe myenteric plexus of Auerbach
DThe lamina propria of the mucosa
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The myenteric plexus of Auerbach
1. Enteric neurons are grouped into two plexuses that sit in different layers of the canal wall.
2. The myenteric plexus, also called the plexus of Auerbach, lies in the muscularis and governs motility.
3. Motility means the rhythm and force of muscularis contractions, so this plexus is the answer.
4. The submucosal plexus of Meissner sits in the submucosa and regulates secretions instead.
5. The celiac trunk is an artery, and the lamina propria is connective tissue, so neither is a plexus.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 23 "The Digestive System", section 23.1 Overview of the Digestive System_
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