Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of mesenteries in the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

They stabilize the position of digestive organs and provide a protected route for blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

Question 2

A patient presents with difficulty swallowing and aspiration of food into the airway. Which structure is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 3

Which histological layer of the GI tract contains the myenteric plexus, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Muscularis externa; coordinates muscle contractions for peristalsis and segmentation

Question 4

During peristalsis, which sequence of muscle contractions moves a bolus through the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Circular muscles contract behind the bolus, longitudinal muscles contract ahead, then circular muscles contract again to push the bolus forward.

Question 5

Which of the following hormones is released in response to fats and carbohydrates in the duodenum and stimulates insulin secretion?

Accepted Answer

GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Peptide)

Question 6

A patient has a vitamin B12 deficiency due to a lack of intrinsic factor. Which gastric cell type is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cells

Question 7

Which region of the small intestine is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption and contains prominent circular folds and villi?

Accepted Answer

Jejunum

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the anal canal is lined with stratified squamous epithelium?

Accepted Answer

To protect against abrasion during defecation

Question 9

A patient has difficulty digesting fats due to impaired bile ejection. Which hormone is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

CCK (Cholecystokinin)

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the three phases of gastric secretion?

Accepted Answer

Cephalic, Gastric, Intestinal

Question 11

Which structure prevents food from entering the nasopharynx during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Uvula

Question 12

A patient with a damaged myenteric plexus would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Impaired coordinated muscle contractions and motility

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of the taeniae coli in the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

They maintain muscle tone and help form haustra.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a gastric gland cell and its secretory product?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cell – Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the stomach has an additional oblique muscle layer in its muscularis externa?

Accepted Answer

To enhance mechanical digestion by churning and mixing chyme

Question 16

A patient with a blocked hepatic portal vein would most likely have impaired transport of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients absorbed from the small intestine

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct order of the regions of the stomach from entry to exit?

Accepted Answer

Cardia, Fundus, Body, Pylorus

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of Peyer's patches in the ileum?

Accepted Answer

They provide immune defense against pathogens in the intestine.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Reabsorption of water and vitamins

Question 20

A patient is unable to voluntarily control defecation. Which structure is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

External anal sphincter

Chapter 22 Study Guide: The Digestive System

Study Guide - Practice Questions