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

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste

Question 2

Which process involves the movement of nutrients from the lumen of the intestine into the blood or lymph?

Accepted Answer

Absorption

Question 3

Mechanical digestion differs from chemical digestion in that mechanical digestion:

Accepted Answer

Involves the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Secretion of digestive enzymes into the duodenum

Question 5

Which layer of the alimentary canal contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves, and is responsible for nourishing surrounding tissues?

Accepted Answer

Submucosa

Question 6

A patient has a blockage in the common bile duct. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Impaired digestion and absorption of fats

Question 7

Which of the following best describes peristalsis?

Accepted Answer

The rhythmic contraction of smooth muscle to propel food through the digestive tract

Question 8

Which enzyme is produced by the pancreas and helps digest proteins in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Trypsin

Question 9

A patient presents with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Which organ is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Liver

Question 10

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chemical breakdown of starch by salivary amylase?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why infants are more susceptible to dehydration than adults?

Accepted Answer

Infants have a higher metabolic rate and greater surface area to volume ratio

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Absorption of water and electrolytes

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the hepatic portal vein is correct?

Accepted Answer

It carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of villi in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for absorption

Question 15

A patient is unable to digest fats efficiently. Which structure is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Gallbladder

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct order of the layers of the alimentary canal from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of emulsification?

Accepted Answer

The physical breakdown of large fat globules into smaller droplets by bile

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct equation for the chemical digestion of proteins in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Protein} + 	ext{H}_2	ext{O} \xrightarrow{	ext{pepsin}} 	ext{Peptides}$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the gallbladder?

Accepted Answer

Storage and concentration of bile

Question 20

Which of the following best explains the importance of the enteric nervous system in digestion?

Accepted Answer

It coordinates local reflexes that control motility and secretion in the GI tract

Digestive System: Comprehensive Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology II

Study Guide - Practice Questions