Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Production of bile for fat emulsification

Question 2

A patient has a blockage in the common bile duct. Which of the following processes would be most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Emulsification of dietary fats in the duodenum

Question 3

Which structure stores and concentrates bile, releasing it in response to cholecystokinin (CCK)?

Accepted Answer

Gallbladder

Question 4

Which of the following enzymes is secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form and is activated in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Trypsinogen

Question 5

What is the main function of bile salts in the digestive process?

Accepted Answer

Emulsifying fats to increase surface area for lipase action

Question 6

A patient with obstructive jaundice is likely to have a buildup of which substance in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Bile salts and bilirubin

Question 7

Which hormone stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder and relaxation of the hepatopancreatic sphincter?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the hepatic portal vein?

Accepted Answer

It transports nutrient-rich blood from the intestine to the liver

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of hepatocytes in the liver?

Accepted Answer

Production of bile, storage of fat-soluble vitamins, and detoxification

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why proteases are secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form?

Accepted Answer

To avoid self-digestion of pancreatic tissue

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the activation of pancreatic proteases in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Trypsinogen is activated by enteropeptidase, then trypsin activates chymotrypsinogen and procarboxypeptidase

Question 12

A patient has a mutation that prevents the recycling of bile salts. Which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Increased synthesis of new bile salts by the liver

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

They perform the final digestion of carbohydrates and proteins at the enterocyte surface

Question 14

Which of the following is a direct effect of secretin released from the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Increased secretion of bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for nutrient absorption

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Impaired digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts is correct?

Accepted Answer

About 95% of bile salts are reabsorbed in the ileum and returned to the liver

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a component of the portal triad found in the liver lobule?

Accepted Answer

Central vein

Question 19

A patient with a deficiency in cholecystokinin (CCK) would most likely have difficulty with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Releasing bile and pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

It stores and concentrates bile, releasing it in response to hormonal signals

Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas: Anatomy and Physiology Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions