Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the alimentary canal (gastrointestinal tract)?

Accepted Answer

It is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.

Question 2

During which digestive process does the movement of food through the GI tract primarily occur via peristalsis?

Accepted Answer

Propulsion

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Stomach

Question 4

A patient has a disorder affecting the muscularis externa of the GI tract. Which digestive process is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis and segmentation

Question 5

Which layer of the GI tract is primarily responsible for secretion of mucus, digestive enzymes, and hormones?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa

Question 6

A person is unable to absorb vitamin B$$_{12}$$, leading to pernicious anemia. Which stomach secretion is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic factor

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A mucosal barrier consisting of bicarbonate-rich mucus, tight junctions, and rapid cell turnover protects the stomach lining.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the enteric nervous system is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It consists of more neurons than the spinal cord and regulates digestive tract motility independently of the CNS.

Question 9

A patient experiences dry mouth due to reduced saliva production. Which cranial nerves are most likely involved in stimulating the major salivary glands?

Accepted Answer

Facial (VII) and glossopharyngeal (IX)

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the pharynx in digestion?

Accepted Answer

It allows passage of food, fluids, and air, and initiates swallowing.

Question 11

During swallowing, which structure prevents food from entering the trachea?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during the pharyngeal-esophageal phase of swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Tongue pushes bolus into oropharynx → upper esophageal sphincter contracts → peristalsis moves bolus down esophagus

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

They allow the stomach to expand when filled with food.

Question 14

A patient has a blockage in the celiac trunk. Which organs are most likely to have reduced blood supply?

Accepted Answer

Spleen, liver, and stomach

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits digestive processes and reduces salivation.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the hormone gastrin?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates secretion of hydrochloric acid by parietal cells

Question 17

A patient eats a meal high in fat. Which of the following best explains why gastric emptying is delayed?

Accepted Answer

Fatty chyme stimulates the release of enterogastrones, which inhibit gastric motility.

Question 18

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the volume of the stomach and the pressure inside it during gastric accommodation?

Accepted Answer

$$P$$ remains relatively constant as $$V$$ increases due to receptive relaxation and stress-relaxation response

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the basic electrical rhythm (BER) of the stomach?

Accepted Answer

It is generated by pacemaker cells and determines the frequency of peristaltic waves.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Reduced motility and peristalsis in the GI tract

Digestive System: Structure and Function (Chapter 23, Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology)

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