The word "muscularis" refers to the layer of smooth muscle found in the walls of organs such as the stomach and intestines. Its spelling is unique because of the combination of vowel and consonant sounds. The first syllable, "mus", is pronounced with a short u vowel sound /ʌ/ followed by a voiced sibilant consonant /z/. The second syllable, "cu", is pronounced with a long u vowel sound /ju/ and ends with an unvoiced consonant /k/. The final syllable, "laris", is pronounced with a short a vowel sound /æ/ and an unvoiced sibilant consonant /s/.
Muscularis refers to the layer of smooth muscle tissue found in the walls of various organs within the human body. It is a term commonly used in anatomy and physiology to describe the specialized muscle layer responsible for contraction and movement in these organs.
The muscularis layer is comprised of smooth muscle cells, which are distinct from skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. Smooth muscle is non-striated and involuntary, meaning it lacks the striped appearance of skeletal muscle and is not under conscious control. This type of muscle is found in numerous structures, including the digestive tract, blood vessels, urinary tract, and reproductive organs.
The main function of the muscularis layer is to generate coordinated contractions that propel substances through these organs. In the digestive system, for example, the muscularis plays a key role in pushing food along the gastrointestinal tract through rhythmic contractions called peristalsis. Similarly, in the urinary tract, the muscularis aids in propelling urine out of the body through the ureters and urethra.
The muscularis can be further classified into two distinct layers: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. These layers work together to create the appropriate movements required for the functionality of each specific organ. The coordinated contractions of the muscularis facilitate the movement of substances and the emptying of organs, enabling proper digestion, circulation, and excretion within the body.
The muscular coat of a hollow organ or tubular structure.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "muscularis" is derived from the Latin term "musculus", meaning "muscle". The suffix "-aris" is a common Latin suffix used to form adjectives, indicating "relating to" or "pertaining to". Therefore, "muscularis" refers to something that is related to or pertaining to muscles.