$$\text{Starch} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{amylase}} \text{Maltose}$$

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Producing digestive enzymes

Question 2

A patient presents with difficulty moving food during chewing and forming a bolus. Which anatomical feature of the tongue is most likely compromised?

Accepted Answer

Extrinsic muscles

Question 3

Which type of epithelium covers the dorsal surface of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Stratified squamous (partially keratinized)

Question 4

Which papillae on the tongue do NOT contain taste buds?

Accepted Answer

Filiform papillae

Question 5

Von Ebner’s glands are primarily associated with which type of papillae and what is their main secretion?

Accepted Answer

Circumvallate papillae; serous

Question 6

A patient with a dry mouth and increased dental caries is likely experiencing dysfunction in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Salivary glands

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the main histological difference between the parotid and sublingual glands?

Accepted Answer

Parotid is mainly serous, sublingual is mainly mucous

Question 8

During development, which cells are responsible for producing enamel and dentin in teeth?

Accepted Answer

Ameloblasts and odontoblasts

Question 9

A child presents with inflammation and swelling of the palatine tonsils. What is the most likely clinical term for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Mandelentzündung

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the organization of the wall of the alimentary canal from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa/adventitia

Question 11

A histological section of the esophagus shows a thick, nonkeratinized, stratified squamous epithelium. What is the main function of this epithelium?

Accepted Answer

Protection against mechanical abrasion

Question 12

Which muscle type is found in the upper third of the esophagus, and what is its functional significance?

Accepted Answer

Striated muscle; allows voluntary initiation of swallowing

Question 13

A patient has a lesion affecting the myenteric (Auerbach’s) plexus. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Coordinated peristaltic contractions of the muscularis externa

Question 14

Which of the following equations best represents the enzymatic breakdown of starch by salivary amylase?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Starch} + 	ext{H}_2	ext{O} \xrightarrow{	ext{amylase}} 	ext{Maltose}$$

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the esophagus has both striated and smooth muscle along its length?

Accepted Answer

To allow voluntary initiation of swallowing followed by involuntary peristalsis

Question 16

A patient with a lesion in the submucosal (Meissner’s) plexus would most likely have impaired:

Accepted Answer

Secretion of digestive enzymes and mucous

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the pattern of taste qualities on the tongue is correct?

Accepted Answer

All taste qualities can be detected across the entire tongue, not just in specific regions

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in saliva?

Accepted Answer

Provides microbicidal protection in the oral cavity

Question 19

A patient with a congenital absence of the aponeurosis of the tongue would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Reduced stabilization and impaired muscle insertion

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the submandibular gland produces most of the resting saliva?

Accepted Answer

It is a mixed gland with a predominance of serous acini and is active during unstimulated conditions

Anatomy and Histology of the Tongue: Structure, Function, and Composition

Study Guide - Practice Questions