Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the alimentary canal?

Accepted Answer

To digest and absorb food through a continuous muscular tube

Question 2

Which process involves the movement of digested end products from the lumen of the GI tract into the blood or lymph?

Accepted Answer

Absorption

Question 3

A patient has a tumor compressing the hepatic portal vein. Which digestive process is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients from the small intestine

Question 4

Which layer of the alimentary canal is primarily responsible for peristalsis and segmentation?

Accepted Answer

Muscularis externa

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the enteric nervous system is correct?

Accepted Answer

It consists of two major intrinsic nerve plexuses that regulate motility and secretion.

Question 6

During swallowing, which phase is voluntary and occurs in the mouth?

Accepted Answer

Buccal phase

Question 7

Which cell type in the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid, and what is a consequence of this secretion?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cells; denatures proteins and activates pepsinogen

Question 8

What is the 'alkaline tide' and what causes it?

Accepted Answer

An increase in blood pH as $$\mathrm{$$HCO_3$$^-} is $$transported into the blood during HCl secretion

Question 9

Which hormone stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Question 10

A patient with a blocked pancreatic duct would have difficulty digesting which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats

Question 11

Which structural modification of the small intestine increases its surface area for absorption the most?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

They emulsify fats, increasing the surface area for pancreatic lipase action.

Question 13

Which process is responsible for moving feces into the rectum and triggering the defecation reflex?

Accepted Answer

Mass movements

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Salivary amylase → pancreatic amylase → brush border enzymes → monosaccharide absorption

Question 15

A patient with pernicious anemia is most likely deficient in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 absorption due to lack of intrinsic factor

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of most nutrients

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why infants are more prone to vomiting after feeding?

Accepted Answer

Their peristalsis is inefficient and their stomachs are small.

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the absorption of fats in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Chylomicrons are formed in epithelial cells and transported into lacteals.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the regulation of digestive activity?

Accepted Answer

Both neurons and hormones regulate digestive activity in response to chemical and mechanical stimuli.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of the mesentery?

Accepted Answer

It stores fat, holds digestive organs in place, and provides a route for blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

Study Guide: The Digestive System (Chapter 23)

Study Guide - Practice Questions