Which embryological layer is responsible for the development of the smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- The smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract originates primarily from the splanchnic mesoderm.
- During embryological development, the GI tract is derived from the endoderm, which forms the inner lining or epithelium. Surrounding this endodermal tube, the splanchnic mesoderm differentiates into the connective tissue and the smooth muscle layers of the gut wall.
The other options are not responsible for the smooth muscle in the GI tract:
- The paraxial mesoderm primarily forms somites, which give rise to skeletal muscle, vertebrae, and dermis, but not smooth muscle of the GI tract.
- The ectoderm mainly contributes to the nervous system and skin, not smooth muscle.
- The somatic mesoderm leads to formation of parietal layers and skeletal muscles of the body wall, rather than the visceral smooth muscle.
In summary, the splanchnic mesoderm is responsible for the musculature (mostly smooth muscle) of the gastrointestinal tract, working closely around the endodermal gut tube to form the layers required for motility and integrity of the gut.
Reference: Langman’s Medical Embryology, 14th Edition, Chapter 8: Development of the Gastrointestinal System, Page 210-215
- During embryological development, the GI tract is derived from the endoderm, which forms the inner lining or epithelium. Surrounding this endodermal tube, the splanchnic mesoderm differentiates into the connective tissue and the smooth muscle layers of the gut wall.
The other options are not responsible for the smooth muscle in the GI tract:
- The paraxial mesoderm primarily forms somites, which give rise to skeletal muscle, vertebrae, and dermis, but not smooth muscle of the GI tract.
- The ectoderm mainly contributes to the nervous system and skin, not smooth muscle.
- The somatic mesoderm leads to formation of parietal layers and skeletal muscles of the body wall, rather than the visceral smooth muscle.
In summary, the splanchnic mesoderm is responsible for the musculature (mostly smooth muscle) of the gastrointestinal tract, working closely around the endodermal gut tube to form the layers required for motility and integrity of the gut.
Reference: Langman’s Medical Embryology, 14th Edition, Chapter 8: Development of the Gastrointestinal System, Page 210-215
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