The smooth muscle cells of the digestive tract need to send electrical signals between each other to contract in unison. The type of intercellular junction best suited for this need is ________.
A)a desmosome
B)a gap junction
C)a tight junction
D)found in the blood-brain barrier

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gap junctions are specialized protein channels that connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells, allowing for the direct exchange of ions and small molecules. In smooth muscle cells, gap junctions allow for the rapid transmission of electrical signals, which allows for coordinated contractions of the muscle tissue. Desmosomes and tight junctions are important for cell adhesion and maintaining tissue integrity but do not facilitate direct communication between cells. The blood-brain barrier is a specialized structure that regulates the movement of substances between the blood and brain tissue, and is not relevant to intercellular communication in the digestive tract.

The Smooth Muscle Cells of the Digestive Tract Need to Send