Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

To break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and delivered to cells

Question 2

Which layer of the GI tract is responsible for peristalsis and segmentation?

Accepted Answer

Muscularis externa

Question 3

A patient has difficulty absorbing vitamin B12. Which gastric cell type is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cells

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver related to digestion?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of digestive enzymes into the duodenum

Question 5

During the process of deglutition, what prevents food from entering the trachea?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

They emulsify lipids, increasing surface area for enzyme action

Question 7

Which region of the small intestine is primarily responsible for the absorption of vitamin B12?

Accepted Answer

Ileum

Question 8

A patient presents with a blockage at the ileocecal sphincter. Which process is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement of intestinal contents from the small intestine to the large intestine

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence of the layers of the GI tract from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa

Question 10

Which enzyme is secreted by chief cells in the stomach and what is its inactive form?

Accepted Answer

Pepsinogen; pepsin

Question 11

Which phase of gastric secretion is initiated by the sight, smell, taste, or thought of food?

Accepted Answer

Cephalic phase

Question 12

Which of the following structures increases the surface area for absorption in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Villi and microvilli

Question 13

A patient with a damaged parietal peritoneum would most likely experience problems with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Protection and suspension of abdominal organs

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Complete absorption of water and formation of feces

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the absorption of fats?

Accepted Answer

Fats are absorbed into lacteals as chylomicrons

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the enteric nervous system in the GI tract?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of peristalsis and secretion

Question 17

A patient has a mutation that prevents the production of brush border enzymes. Which process would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Completion of chemical digestion in the small intestine

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It mixes chyme with digestive juices and increases contact with absorptive surfaces

Question 19

If the external anal sphincter is damaged, which process is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary control of defecation

Question 20

Which of the following equations best represents the hydrolysis of a disaccharide during digestion?

Accepted Answer

$$C_{12}H$$_{22}$$O_{11} + H$$_{2}$$O \rightarrow 2C_{6}H$$_{12}$$O_{6}$

Digestive System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions