Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To process food, extract nutrients, and eliminate residue

Question 2

Mechanical digestion refers to:

Accepted Answer

The physical breakdown of food into smaller particles

Question 3

Which process is responsible for the uptake of nutrient molecules into the epithelial cells of the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Absorption

Question 4

Chemical digestion is primarily carried out by:

Accepted Answer

Digestive enzymes produced by salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine

Question 5

Which of the following nutrients can be absorbed directly without further digestion?

Accepted Answer

Vitamins

Question 6

The digestive tract is considered external to the body until:

Accepted Answer

Nutrients are absorbed by the epithelial cells of the alimentary canal

Question 7

Which layer of the digestive tract wall is responsible for propelling food and residue through the tract?

Accepted Answer

Muscularis externa

Question 8

The enteric nervous system can function independently of the central nervous system, but is usually influenced by the:

Accepted Answer

Autonomic nervous system

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT an accessory organ of the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Small intestine

Question 10

The submucosal plexus of the enteric nervous system primarily controls:

Accepted Answer

Glandular secretions of the mucosa and movements of muscularis mucosae

Question 11

Which connective tissue sheet suspends the stomach and intestines from the abdominal wall and contains blood vessels and lymph nodes?

Accepted Answer

Mesentery

Question 12

An organ that is enclosed by mesentery on both sides is considered:

Accepted Answer

Intraperitoneal

Question 13

Which of the following is a neural control mechanism that stimulates peristaltic contractions of swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Short (myenteric) reflexes

Question 14

Which hormone is secreted into the bloodstream to stimulate distant parts of the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Gastrin

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of saliva?

Accepted Answer

Begins starch and fat digestion

Question 16

Salivary amylase is responsible for beginning the digestion of:

Accepted Answer

Starch

Question 17

Which of the following glands is located beneath the skin anterior to the earlobe and can be affected by mumps?

Accepted Answer

Parotid gland

Question 18

Which type of cell in the salivary glands secretes thin fluid rich in enzymes and electrolytes?

Accepted Answer

Serous cells

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the digestive tract is considered external to the body until absorption occurs?

Accepted Answer

Because the tract is open to the environment at both ends and nutrients are not part of body tissues until absorbed by epithelial cells

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct order of the five stages of digestion?

Accepted Answer

Ingestion, digestion, absorption, compaction, defecation

Digestive System: General Anatomy and Digestive Processes

Study Guide - Practice Questions