Question 1

Which of the following best explains why intrinsic factor secretion by parietal cells is essential for life?

Accepted Answer

It is required for the absorption of vitamin B12, which is necessary for erythropoiesis.

Question 2

A patient with pernicious anemia most likely has a deficiency in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic factor

Question 3

Which of the following is the primary stimulus for pepsinogen secretion from chief cells?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 4

Which phase of gastric secretion is characterized by the sight, smell, or thought of food and is mediated by the vagus nerve?

Accepted Answer

Cephalic phase

Question 5

What is the main function of bile salts in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Emulsification of fats to increase surface area for lipase action

Question 6

Which hormone is released in response to fatty chyme in the duodenum and stimulates gallbladder contraction, pancreatic enzyme secretion, and relaxation of the hepatopancreatic sphincter?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid ($$\mathrm{HCl}$$)?

Accepted Answer

Active transport of $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ via the $$\mathrm{H^+/K^+}$$ ATPase pump and diffusion of $$\mathrm{Cl^-}$$ into the lumen

Question 8

A patient has a blockage at the hepatopancreatic ampulla. Which of the following would most likely be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Delivery of both bile and pancreatic juice to the duodenum

Question 9

Which of the following is a direct result of the alkaline tide that occurs during gastric acid secretion?

Accepted Answer

Temporary increase in blood pH due to $$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}$$ entering the bloodstream

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why carbohydrate-rich chyme empties from the stomach faster than fatty chyme?

Accepted Answer

Fatty chyme triggers the release of enterogastrones, which inhibit gastric motility

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the brush border enzymes in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Activation of pancreatic proteases such as trypsinogen

Question 12

Which of the following cell types in the small intestine is responsible for secreting antimicrobial agents such as defensins and lysozyme?

Accepted Answer

Paneth cells

Question 13

A patient with a duodenal ulcer is found to have decreased secretion of alkaline mucus. Which structure is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Duodenal (Brunner's) glands

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts?

Accepted Answer

Bile salts are reabsorbed in the ileum and returned to the liver via the hepatic portal vein

Question 15

Which of the following is the main function of the gallbladder?

Accepted Answer

Storage and concentration of bile

Question 16

Which of the following is a likely consequence of a lack of functional enterogastrones?

Accepted Answer

Rapid gastric emptying leading to duodenal overload

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the portal triad in the liver lobule?

Accepted Answer

It contains branches of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the flow of bile from the liver to the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Bile canaliculi → bile ductules → right/left hepatic ducts → common hepatic duct → cystic duct → bile duct

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the stomach does not digest itself under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

The mucosal barrier, including mucus and tight junctions, protects the stomach lining from acid and enzymes

Question 20

Which of the following is the main reason why pancreatic juice contains bicarbonate ions ($$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-}$$)?

Accepted Answer

To neutralize acidic chyme entering the duodenum

Digestive System Part 2: The Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, and Small Intestine

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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