Question 1

Which layer of the gastrointestinal tract is primarily responsible for absorption of nutrients and contains the lamina propria?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa

Question 2

During peristalsis, which of the following best describes the movement of food through the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Food is propelled forward by coordinated waves of muscular contraction

Question 3

Which of the following enzymes is secreted in an inactive form and activated in the small intestine to aid in protein digestion?

Accepted Answer

Pepsinogen

Question 4

A patient has a blockage in the hepatopancreatic ampulla. Which digestive processes would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of bile and pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum

Question 5

Which anatomical feature increases the surface area for absorption in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli

Question 6

Which of the following best describes segmentation in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Localized contractions that mix and churn intestinal contents

Question 7

Which hormone stimulates the release of pancreatic juice rich in bicarbonate to neutralize acidic chyme?

Accepted Answer

Secretin

Question 8

What is the primary function of the parietal cells in the gastric glands?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the layers of the digestive tract from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

Question 10

A patient with a deficiency in intrinsic factor would most likely develop which condition?

Accepted Answer

Pernicious anemia

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of digestive enzymes into the duodenum

Question 12

Which reflex increases motility in the ileum and opens the ileocecal valve in response to food in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Gastroileal reflex

Question 13

Which enzyme is responsible for the initial breakdown of starch in the oral cavity?

Accepted Answer

Salivary amylase

Question 14

Which structure is responsible for storing and concentrating bile before its release into the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Gall bladder

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of chief cells in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Secrete pepsinogen

Question 16

Which process is primarily responsible for the movement of fecal material toward the rectum in the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Mass movements (peristalsis)

Question 17

Which of the following equations best represents the chemical digestion of maltose by maltase?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Maltose} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow 2\ \mathrm{Glucose}$$

Question 18

A patient with damage to the muscularis externa of the small intestine would most likely experience problems with which process?

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis and segmentation

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct function of the submucosa in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves that support the mucosa

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why pepsin is secreted as pepsinogen in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

To prevent premature protein digestion that could damage stomach cells

Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions