Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Physical breakdown of food through mastication and mixing with saliva

Question 2

The digestive tract is described as a single muscular tube from mouth to anus. Which structure acts as a muscular valve to regulate passage between the stomach and duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Pyloric sphincter

Question 3

Which accessory structure is responsible for producing saliva that contains enzymes initiating carbohydrate digestion?

Accepted Answer

Salivary glands

Question 4

A patient presents with difficulty swallowing. Which anatomical region is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Oropharynx

Question 5

Which of the following correctly lists the order of the first three regions food passes through after leaving the oral cavity?

Accepted Answer

Oropharynx, laryngopharynx, esophagus

Question 6

The ileocecal valve regulates the movement of contents between which two regions of the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Ileum and cecum

Question 7

Which of the following best explains the role of mastication in digestion?

Accepted Answer

It increases the surface area of food for enzymatic action

Question 8

If the pyloric sphincter fails to function properly, which physiological process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of chyme entering the duodenum

Question 9

Which structure is NOT considered an accessory organ of the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Jejunum

Question 10

A blockage at the ileocecal valve would most likely result in which clinical symptom?

Accepted Answer

Distension and pain in the lower right abdomen

Question 11

Which of the following equations best represents the increase in surface area ($A$) of food particles after mastication, assuming spherical particles and a decrease in radius from $r_1$ to $r_2$?

Accepted Answer

$A = 4 \pi r_1^2$ to $A = 4 \pi r_2^2$ (surface area increases as $r$ decreases)

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the large intestine regions, starting from the cecum?

Accepted Answer

Ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum

Question 13

Which accessory organ produces enzymes that are released into the duodenum to aid in digestion of all macronutrients?

Accepted Answer

Pancreas

Question 14

A patient has a condition where the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach is weakened. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Gastric reflux leading to heartburn

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the tongue in the digestive process?

Accepted Answer

Assists in taste, manipulation of food, and formation of bolus

Question 16

Which process is facilitated by the increased surface area of food after mastication?

Accepted Answer

More efficient enzymatic breakdown in the stomach and small intestine

Question 17

If a patient’s salivary glands are not functioning, which digestive process would be most impaired?

Accepted Answer

Initial enzymatic digestion of carbohydrates

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about sphincters in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

They are muscular valves that regulate passage of contents between regions

Question 19

A patient with a blocked pancreatic duct would most likely experience impaired digestion of which macronutrients?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why enzymatic digestion begins in the mouth?

Accepted Answer

Salivary glands secrete amylase, which breaks down starches

Digestive System: Gross Anatomy, Structure, and Function

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