Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the enteric nervous system in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

It coordinates most digestive activities independently of the central nervous system.

Question 2

Which layer of the digestive tract is primarily responsible for mechanical processing and movement of food, and how is this achieved?

Accepted Answer

Muscular layer; through coordinated contractions of inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers

Question 3

A patient is unable to absorb vitamin B12 efficiently. Which stomach cell type is most likely malfunctioning, and what is its product?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cells; intrinsic factor

Question 4

During peristalsis, which sequence of muscle contractions propels a food bolus forward?

Accepted Answer

Circular muscles contract behind the bolus, longitudinal muscles contract ahead of the bolus

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the oral cavity is lined with stratified squamous epithelium?

Accepted Answer

To protect against abrasion from food particles during chewing

Question 6

A patient with a damaged myenteric plexus would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Impaired peristalsis and motility of the digestive tract

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct description of segmentation in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Cycles of contraction that churn and mix intestinal contents without net forward movement

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the greater omentum?

Accepted Answer

It provides padding and protection to abdominal organs by storing adipose tissue.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct order of the four generic layers of the digestive tract from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, serosa

Question 10

Which of the following best explains the function of rugae in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

They allow the stomach to expand by flattening out as the stomach fills.

Question 11

A patient presents with severe acid reflux. Which sphincter is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Question 12

Which of the following is a primary stimulus for digestive activities in the tract?

Accepted Answer

pH changes of contents in the lumen

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

They secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor.

Question 14

Which of the following equations best represents the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H^+ + $$HCO_3$$^-}$$ and $$\mathrm{Cl^-}$$ enters from interstitial fluid; $$\mathrm{H^+}$$ and $$\mathrm{Cl^-}$$ combine in the lumen to form $$\mathrm{HCl}$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the mucosa layer in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

It contains villi that increase surface area for absorption.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the phases of deglutition (swallowing)?

Accepted Answer

The buccal phase is voluntary, while the pharyngeal and esophageal phases are involuntary.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the stomach has three layers of smooth muscle?

Accepted Answer

To strengthen the stomach wall and assist in mixing and churning food into chyme.

Question 18

A patient has a blockage in the lesser omentum. Which of the following structures is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

The access route for blood vessels entering or leaving the liver.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of G cells in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

They secrete gastrin, a hormone that regulates stomach acid production.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the absorption of drugs under the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Drugs are rapidly absorbed under the tongue due to the thin, nonkeratinized mucosa.

Digestive System Structure and Function: ANP Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards