Question 1

A patient presents with difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of food into the nasal cavity during swallowing. Which structure is most likely malfunctioning, and what is its normal function?

Accepted Answer

The uvula; it normally helps prevent food from entering the nasal cavity by extending from the soft palate.

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why the esophagus has a lining of stratified squamous epithelium?

Accepted Answer

To provide a tough, protective surface against abrasion from food boluses.

Question 3

A 7-year-old child has 20 teeth, all of which are smaller and whiter than those of adults. Which of the following is true regarding this child's dentition?

Accepted Answer

The child has deciduous teeth, which lack premolars.

Question 4

During a routine dental exam, a dentist notes that the parotid duct opens near the upper molars. Which gland is responsible for secreting saliva through this duct?

Accepted Answer

Parotid gland

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the muscle composition of the esophagus from superior to inferior?

Accepted Answer

Upper third skeletal, middle third mixed, lower third smooth muscle

Question 6

A patient with a peptic ulcer in the stomach is found to have reduced mucus secretion. Which cell type is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Mucous cells

Question 7

Which anatomical feature of the stomach allows it to expand significantly after a large meal?

Accepted Answer

Rugae

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency due to poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Which segment of the small intestine is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Ileum

Question 9

Which of the following structures is responsible for preventing the backflow of material from the large intestine into the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Ileocecal valve

Question 10

A patient with a lesion affecting the taenia coli would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Impaired segmentation and movement of feces in the large intestine

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the small intestine has plicae circulares, villi, and microvilli?

Accepted Answer

To maximize surface area for absorption of nutrients

Question 12

A patient is unable to voluntarily control defecation. Which sphincter is most likely not functioning properly?

Accepted Answer

External anal sphincter

Question 13

Which region of the pharynx is exclusively involved in the passage of air and not food?

Accepted Answer

Nasopharynx

Question 14

A patient with a tumor compressing the submandibular duct would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Dryness under the tongue and floor of the mouth

Question 15

Which of the following is a unique feature of the stomach's muscularis layer compared to the rest of the gastrointestinal tract?

Accepted Answer

Presence of an oblique muscle layer for stronger mixing

Question 16

A patient with a compromised Peyer's patches in the small intestine would be at increased risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Impaired immune defense against gut pathogens

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of Brunner’s glands in the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of alkaline mucus to neutralize gastric acid

Question 18

A patient with a malfunctioning lower esophageal (cardiac) sphincter is most likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Gastric contents refluxing into the esophagus

Question 19

Which of the following papillae on the tongue are most numerous and do NOT contain taste buds?

Accepted Answer

Filiform papillae

Question 20

A patient with a blockage at the pyloric sphincter would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Delayed gastric emptying into the small intestine

Digestive System: Structure and Function of the Alimentary Canal Unit 4 Week 12 LO's

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