Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of bile salts produced by the liver during digestion?

Accepted Answer

They emulsify dietary fats, increasing surface area for lipase action.

Question 2

A patient has difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) due to a neurological disorder affecting involuntary muscle control. Which phase of swallowing is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Pharyngeal phase

Question 3

Which of the following correctly matches the digestive tract region with its predominant epithelial type?

Accepted Answer

Small intestine – simple columnar epithelium

Question 4

A patient has a genetic defect preventing the production of intrinsic factor. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Impaired absorption of vitamin B12

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why segmentation in the small intestine is important for digestion?

Accepted Answer

It mixes chyme with digestive enzymes and increases contact with absorptive surfaces.

Question 6

A patient with a blocked common bile duct would have difficulty digesting which type of nutrient most?

Accepted Answer

Lipids

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Right/left hepatic ducts → common hepatic duct → common bile duct → hepatopancreatic ampulla → duodenum

Question 8

Which hormone is released by the duodenum in response to acidic chyme and stimulates the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate-rich fluid?

Accepted Answer

Secretin

Question 9

A patient has a mutation that prevents the formation of the myenteric plexus. Which digestive process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the absorption of monosaccharides in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

By cotransport with sodium ions

Question 11

A patient with chronic pancreatitis has reduced secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Which of the following would most likely be observed in this patient’s stool?

Accepted Answer

Increased undigested fats

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of water and electrolytes

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are absorbed differently than water-soluble vitamins in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They are incorporated into micelles with bile salts before absorption.

Question 14

A patient has a tumor blocking the hepatopancreatic ampulla. Which of the following processes would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Release of bile and pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the gastroileal reflex?

Accepted Answer

It increases peristalsis in the ileum and relaxes the ileocecal valve.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Production of digestive enzymes for the small intestine

Question 17

A patient is unable to absorb calcium efficiently. Which vitamin deficiency is most likely responsible, and how is this vitamin absorbed?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D; absorbed with micelles in the small intestine

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between peristalsis and segmentation in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis involves wave-like contractions moving chyme forward; segmentation mixes chyme with no net movement.

Question 19

A patient with a damaged lower esophageal sphincter is likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn)

Question 20

Which of the following correctly matches a pancreatic enzyme with its substrate?

Accepted Answer

Lipase – triglycerides

Digestive System: Structure, Function, and Physiology (Chapter 24 Study Guide)

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