Question 1

Which of the following correctly lists the order of structures that food passes through in the gastrointestinal tract, starting from the mouth?

Accepted Answer

Mouth $$\rightarrow$$ esophagus $$\rightarrow$$ stomach $$\rightarrow$$ small intestine $$\rightarrow$$ large intestine $$\rightarrow$$ anus

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a function of the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of most nutrients

Question 3

Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of the pyloric sphincter?

Accepted Answer

Regulates the passage of chyme from the stomach to the duodenum

Question 5

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched with its digestive function?

Accepted Answer

Pepsinogen: activated to pepsin in the presence of HCl

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the relationship between pepsinogen, HCl, and pepsin?

Accepted Answer

HCl converts pepsinogen to pepsin, which then digests proteins

Question 7

Which of the following is a major function of the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of water and electrolytes

Question 8

A patient has a blockage at the hepatopancreatic ampulla. Which digestive processes would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of fats and neutralization of stomach acid in the duodenum

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the gut microbiome in digestion?

Accepted Answer

It ferments undigested carbohydrates, producing short-chain fatty acids

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct description of the peritoneum?

Accepted Answer

A double-layered membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers abdominal organs

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct sequence of layers in the wall of the alimentary canal, from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa $$\rightarrow$$ submucosa $$\rightarrow$$ muscularis externa $$\rightarrow$$ serosa

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the liver is correct?

Accepted Answer

It produces bile, which is important for fat emulsification

Question 13

A patient with a deficiency in pancreatic lipase would have difficulty digesting which type of nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Lipids

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the enteric nervous system in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of peristalsis and local blood flow

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of peristalsis?

Accepted Answer

Wavelike contractions of smooth muscle that propel food through the digestive tract

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Most nutrients are absorbed in the jejunum and ileum

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of bile salts in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Emulsification of fats to increase surface area for lipase action

Question 19

A patient with a damaged ileum may have difficulty absorbing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 and bile salts

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the fate of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats after enzymatic hydrolysis in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

They are broken down into monosaccharides, amino acids, and fatty acids/glycerol, respectively, for absorption

The Digestive System: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions