Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of parietal cells in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor for vitamin B12 absorption

Question 2

A patient presents with symptoms of heartburn after eating large meals. Which physiological process is most likely responsible for their symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus

Question 3

Which of the following is a direct result of the cephalic phase of gastric secretion?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of gastric juice secretion by the sight, smell, or thought of food

Question 4

Which equation best represents the chemical reaction for the neutralization of stomach acid by pancreatic bicarbonate in the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{HCl} + \mathrm{NaHCO_3} \rightarrow \mathrm{NaCl} + \mathrm{H_2O} + \mathrm{CO_2}$$

Question 5

A patient with a history of chronic NSAID use develops a gastric ulcer. Which of the following best explains the pathophysiology?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reducing the mucosal barrier and increasing susceptibility to acid damage

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Secretion of digestive enzymes into the duodenum

Question 7

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the release of enzyme-rich pancreatic juice and contraction of the gallbladder?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Question 8

A patient is unable to absorb vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor. Which cell type is most likely dysfunctional?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cells

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of bile salts in digestion?

Accepted Answer

They emulsify fats, increasing surface area for lipase action

Question 10

Which structure is responsible for preventing the backflow of chyme from the duodenum into the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Pyloric sphincter

Question 11

During the gastric phase, which event triggers the greatest release of gastrin?

Accepted Answer

Presence of partially digested proteins and rising pH in the stomach

Question 12

Which of the following is a consequence of excessive vomiting?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of stomach acid

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why only small particles and liquids pass through the pyloric valve into the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Peristaltic contractions near the pylorus grind food into small enough particles to pass through

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct sequence of blood flow through the liver lobule?

Accepted Answer

Portal triad (portal vein and hepatic artery) → sinusoids → central vein → hepatic vein

Question 15

Which of the following is the most powerful stimulus for bile secretion by the liver?

Accepted Answer

Return of bile salts via enterohepatic circulation

Question 16

A patient with gallstones is most likely to experience which of the following complications?

Accepted Answer

Obstruction of bile flow leading to jaundice

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the mucosal barrier in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

It protects the stomach lining from harsh acidic conditions

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of chief cells in the gastric glands?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of pepsinogen and gastric lipase

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the stomach can expand to accommodate large meals without a significant increase in internal pressure?

Accepted Answer

The presence of rugae and the stress-relaxation response of smooth muscle

Question 20

Which of the following is the only stomach function essential to life?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of intrinsic factor for vitamin B12 absorption

Digestive System: Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas

Study Guide - Practice Questions