Question 1

Which layer of the gastrointestinal tract is primarily responsible for peristalsis and segmentation movements?

Accepted Answer

Muscularis externa

Question 2

A patient presents with a blockage in the pancreatic duct. Which of the following would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Reduced delivery of digestive enzymes to the small intestine

Question 3

Which of the following hormones stimulates the release of bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice in response to acidic chyme entering the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Secretin

Question 4

During the absorptive phase of digestion, which vessel carries absorbed nutrients from the small intestine to the liver?

Accepted Answer

Hepatic portal vein

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

They increase surface area for absorption

Question 6

A patient with a deficiency in the enzyme lactase will most likely experience which of the following symptoms after consuming dairy products?

Accepted Answer

Diarrhea and abdominal cramping

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Starch} + \mathrm{H_2O} \xrightarrow{amylase} \mathrm{Maltose}$$

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

It can function independently of the central nervous system

Question 9

A patient is unable to absorb fat-soluble vitamins efficiently. Which structure is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Lacteals in the villi

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why pepsin is active in the stomach but not in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Pepsin is denatured by the higher pH in the small intestine

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct multi-step pathway for the regulation of gastric acid secretion?

Accepted Answer

Food in the stomach stimulates G cells to release gastrin, which then stimulates parietal cells to secrete HCl

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of digestive enzymes into the duodenum

Question 13

Which of the following equations represents the neutralization of gastric acid by bicarbonate in the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{HCl} + \mathrm{$$NaHCO_3$$} \rightarrow \mathrm{NaCl} + \mathrm{H_2O} + \mathrm{CO_2$}$$

Question 14

A patient with damage to the myenteric plexus would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Reduced peristaltic movement

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the process of emulsification of fats in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Coating fat droplets with bile salts to increase surface area for lipase action

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Starch is broken down by amylase in the mouth, maltose is further digested by brush border enzymes, and glucose is absorbed via sodium-glucose cotransporters

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely occur if the pyloric sphincter failed to relax?

Accepted Answer

Delayed gastric emptying and possible vomiting

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the energy content of a meal containing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Total kcal} = (	ext{g carbs} 	imes 4) + (	ext{g protein} 	imes 4) + (	ext{g fat} 	imes 9)$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-life example of a disorder caused by impaired absorption in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Celiac disease

Study Guide: The Digestive System (Chapter 21)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards