Looking at some unknown muscle tissue under a microscope, you see cells that are not striated, are thick in the middle and tapered at the ends, and that create a sheet of tissue. What part of the body could this tissue have come from?
• the heart
• the shoulder
• the intestinal track
• the foot
The correct answer is: the intestinal tract.
Based on the characteristics described, the muscle tissue is most likely smooth muscle tissue. Smooth muscle cells are not striated, are thicker in the middle and tapered at the ends, and can create a sheet of tissue.
Therefore, the tissue could have come from the intestinal tract. Smooth muscle tissue is commonly found in the walls of the intestines and is responsible for involuntary movements of the digestive system.
To determine the origin of the unknown muscle tissue, we can analyze the characteristics mentioned.
First, you observed that the cells are not striated. Striated muscles are characterized by alternating light and dark stripes, while non-striated muscles lack this striped appearance.
Next, you noticed that the cells are thick in the middle and tapered at the ends. This tapered shape, also known as spindle-shaped cells, is a characteristic feature of smooth muscle tissue. Smooth muscles are responsible for involuntary movements and are found within the walls of internal organs, blood vessels, and glands.
Lastly, you mentioned that the cells create a sheet of tissue. Smooth muscles that form sheets of tissue are commonly observed in the walls of the digestive tract, such as the intestines. These muscles facilitate the movement of food through the digestive system.
Based on these observations, it is most likely that the unknown muscle tissue came from the intestinal tract (option C).