$$\text{Starch} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{amylase}} \text{Maltose}$$

Question 1

Which of the following lists the layers of the alimentary canal in the correct order from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

Question 2

Which type of tissue is primarily found in the muscularis externa layer of the alimentary canal?

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle

Question 3

A patient presents with heartburn and is diagnosed with GERD. Which physiological malfunction most directly causes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Incompetence of the lower esophageal (cardiac) sphincter

Question 4

Which nerve plexus is responsible for controlling the motility of the digestive tract and is located in the muscularis externa?

Accepted Answer

Myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus

Question 5

Short reflexes in the digestive system differ from long reflexes in that short reflexes:

Accepted Answer

Occur entirely within the enteric nervous system

Question 6

Which part of the tooth is responsible for producing new dentin throughout life?

Accepted Answer

Odontoblasts in the pulp cavity

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function of saliva?

Accepted Answer

Neutralizes stomach acid in the esophagus

Question 8

Where is the parotid salivary gland located?

Accepted Answer

Anterior to the ear, overlying the masseter muscle

Question 9

A patient has a blockage in the bile duct. Which digestive process will be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Fat emulsification in the small intestine

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of villi and microvilli in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for absorption

Question 11

Which equation correctly represents the chemical breakdown of starch by salivary amylase?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Starch} + 	ext{H}_2	ext{O} \xrightarrow{	ext{amylase}} 	ext{Maltose}$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a primary function of the liver in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Producing bile to emulsify fats

Question 13

A patient with peptic ulcers is most likely suffering from damage to which layer of the alimentary canal?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa

Question 14

Which digestive enzyme secreted by the pancreas is responsible for the breakdown of proteins?

Accepted Answer

Trypsin

Question 15

Which of the following best explains how pancreatic enzymes reach the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They travel through the pancreatic duct and enter the duodenum

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of certain vitamins such as vitamin K

Question 17

Which disorder is characterized by inflammation and outpouchings of the colon wall?

Accepted Answer

Diverticulitis

Question 18

Which of the following nutrients is digested by the enzyme lipase?

Accepted Answer

Lipids (fats)

Question 19

A patient with celiac disease should avoid foods containing which nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Gluten

Question 20

Which equation best represents the absorption of glucose in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Glucose}_{	ext{lumen}} \xrightarrow{	ext{SGLT1}} 	ext{Glucose}_{	ext{epithelial cell}}$$

Study Guide: The Digestive System Chapter 23

Study Guide - Practice Questions