Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the small intestine in the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients into the circulatory and lymphatic systems

Question 2

Which layer of the GI tract wall contains the submucosal plexus of the enteric nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Submucosa

Question 3

A patient with a mutation in the CFTR channel would most likely have difficulty with which digestive process?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of isotonic NaCl in the intestine

Question 4

Which of the following hormones stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to fatty acids in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Question 5

What is the main role of bile salts in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Emulsification of fats to aid in their digestion and absorption

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why lactose intolerance leads to gastrointestinal symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Lactose is not digested and remains in the intestine, increasing osmotic pressure and drawing water into the lumen

Question 7

Which process is responsible for moving the bolus of food forward through the GI tract?

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis

Question 8

A patient has a deficiency in brush border enzymes. Which nutrient absorption would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharides

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence of the anatomical regions of the stomach from proximal to distal?

Accepted Answer

Fundus → body → antrum

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the hepatic portal system?

Accepted Answer

It transports absorbed nutrients from the intestine directly to the liver for processing before entering systemic circulation.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the stomach during the gastric phase?

Accepted Answer

Storage of food, digestion of proteins and lipids, and defense against pathogens

Question 12

Which of the following statements about GI smooth muscle contraction is correct?

Accepted Answer

Slow-wave potentials originate in the interstitial cells of Cajal

Question 13

Which equation best represents the neutralization of gastric acid by pancreatic bicarbonate in the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B$$_{12} is $$absorbed in the ileum when complexed to intrinsic factor

Question 15

A patient with a blocked common bile duct would have difficulty digesting which type of nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Fats

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the migrating motor complex?

Accepted Answer

Sweeps remnants and bacteria out of the GI tract between meals

Question 17

Which hormone is released from the stomach and stimulates appetite?

Accepted Answer

Ghrelin

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Glucose is absorbed via SGLT transporters

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Concentration of waste and absorption of water

The Digestive System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions