Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the small intestine has three orders of folds (circular folds, villi, and microvilli)?

Accepted Answer

To maximize the surface area for nutrient absorption

Question 2

A patient has a blockage in the pancreatic duct, preventing pancreatic juice from entering the duodenum. Which digestive process would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Chemical digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates

Question 3

Which hormone is released from the intestinal crypts and acts to decrease the force of stomach contractions?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Question 4

What is the primary function of bile produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder?

Accepted Answer

Emulsification of fats for mechanical digestion

Question 5

Which of the following correctly matches the enzyme with its substrate and site of action?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatic amylase – starch – small intestine

Question 6

A patient with a deficiency in Brunner’s (duodenal) glands would most likely experience which of the following problems?

Accepted Answer

Reduced neutralization of acidic chyme entering the duodenum

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of the portal triad in the liver?

Accepted Answer

It consists of the hepatic artery, hepatic portal vein, and bile duct, supplying blood and draining bile

Question 8

Which process is primarily responsible for the movement of chyme through the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Segmentation and peristalsis

Question 9

During fat absorption, which structure is responsible for packaging triglycerides into chylomicrons for transport?

Accepted Answer

Enterocyte (intestinal epithelial cell)

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the large intestine is correct?

Accepted Answer

It absorbs water and electrolytes and houses gut flora that produce vitamins B and K

Question 11

A patient has a mutation that prevents the secretion of secretin from the small intestine. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased gastric secretions and decreased pancreatic bicarbonate release

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the brush border enzymes in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They complete the final steps of chemical digestion for carbohydrates and proteins

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct sequence of structures that food passes through in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Mouth – Pharynx – Esophagus – Stomach – Small Intestine – Large Intestine – Anus

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the effect of the gastro-colic reflex?

Accepted Answer

It triggers mass movements in the colon following stomach distention

Question 15

A patient with a damaged internal anal sphincter would most likely have problems with which process?

Accepted Answer

Involuntary control of defecation

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the gut flora in the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of vitamins B and K

Question 17

Which of the following equations best represents the neutralization of acidic chyme in the duodenum by pancreatic bicarbonate?

Accepted Answer

$$ \mathrm{HCO_3^-} + \mathrm{H^+} \rightarrow \mathrm{H_2CO_3} \rightarrow \mathrm{CO_2} + \mathrm{H_2O} $$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of trypsin in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

It activates other pancreatic zymogens for protein digestion

Question 19

A patient with a genetic defect preventing the formation of chylomicrons would have difficulty absorbing which nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Triglycerides (fats)

Question 20

Which of the following statements about segmentation in the small intestine is correct?

Accepted Answer

It mixes chyme with digestive juices to enhance absorption

Digestive System: Structure, Function, and Processes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards