What type of muscle is present in the walls of the digestive tract?

Smooth muscle is the correct type of muscle found in the walls of the digestive tract. This muscle is characterized by its non-striated appearance and ability to contract involuntarily. Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped and arranged in sheets, enabling them to contract rhythmically and continuously, which is essential for the process of peristalsis—the wave-like movements that propel food through the digestive system.

This involuntary muscle function is crucial in facilitating the movement of contents through different sections of the digestive tract, such as the stomach and intestines, and is also responsible for regulating the flow of blood and other substances throughout the body.

In contrast, striated muscle refers to skeletal muscle, which is under voluntary control and is responsible for movements of the skeleton, while cardiac muscle, which is found in the heart, is also striated but functions involuntarily. Neither skeletal nor cardiac muscles are involved in the functioning of the digestive tract.