Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients and chemical digestion

Question 2

A patient presents with difficulty absorbing vitamin B12. Which gastric secretion is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic factor

Question 3

Which of the following processes is responsible for moving food through the esophagus to the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis

Question 4

The liver performs all of the following functions EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients

Question 5

Which enzyme is responsible for the initial breakdown of starch in the mouth?

Accepted Answer

Salivary amylase

Question 6

A patient with chronic heartburn is diagnosed with GERD. What is the underlying cause of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Gastric juices entering the esophagus

Question 7

Which of the following structures prevents food from entering the respiratory tract during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Muscularis externa

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Absorption of water and electrolytes

Question 10

A patient with a history of alcoholism develops cirrhosis. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Progressive chronic inflammation of the liver with fatty fibrous tissue

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the process of segmentation in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Alternating contraction and relaxation of nonadjacent segments to mix food

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of saliva?

Accepted Answer

Emulsifying fats

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the absorption of fats is correct?

Accepted Answer

Chylomicrons are absorbed into lacteals and transported via the lymphatic system

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about protein digestion?

Accepted Answer

Pepsin in the stomach initiates protein digestion

Question 16

Which of the following homeostatic imbalances is most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection?

Accepted Answer

Gastric ulcers

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Storage and concentration of bile

Question 18

Which of the following is the main function of the colon?

Accepted Answer

Propulsion of feces toward the anus

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct pairing of enzyme and its substrate?

Accepted Answer

Pepsin – proteins

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the defecation reflex is correct?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic signals stimulate contraction of the sigmoid colon and rectum

The Digestive System: Structure, Function, and Processes

Study Guide - Practice Questions