Question

What are the functions of smooth muscles?

a) To move material through the digestive tract
b) To constrict or dilate blood vessels to control blood pressure
c) To regulate pupil diameter
d) To replace the oxygen bound to myoglobin and hemoglobin

Answer 1

Smooth muscles play a critical role in involuntary functions such as controlling blood pressure, facilitating food movement through peristalsis in the digestive tract, regulating pupil diameter, and aiding in the movement of urine in the urinary tract. These actions are autonomously regulated by the body's systems.

Step-by-step explanation:

The functions of smooth muscles include a variety of important involuntary actions within the body. These muscles are found within the walls of many internal structures, such as blood vessels, the digestive tract, and the urinary system. The main functions are:

• Controlling blood pressure by contracting and relaxing to constrict or dilate blood vessels, respectively, influencing blood flow and heat conservation or loss in the body.
• Moving food through the digestive tract by a process called peristalsis, which is akin to squeezing toothpaste from a tube.
• Regulating the diameter of the pupils to control the amount of light entering the eyes.
• Smooth muscles are also crucial for moving urine through the urinary tract and assisting with various other involuntary movements in the internal organs.

Crucially, smooth muscle contractions are not under conscious control and are regulated by the autonomic nervous system, hormones, and other substances.