Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main advantage of an alimentary canal over a gastrovascular cavity for digestion?

Accepted Answer

It enables food to be digested and absorbed in specialized, sequential compartments.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with a deficiency in the enzyme amylase. Which of the following would most likely be impaired in this patient?

Accepted Answer

The hydrolysis of starch in the oral cavity

Question 3

Which of the following is a correct sequence of the four main stages of food processing in animals?

Accepted Answer

Ingestion, Digestion, Absorption, Elimination

Question 4

Which of the following mechanisms prevents the stomach from digesting itself?

Accepted Answer

A thick layer of mucus and the secretion of pepsinogen in an inactive form

Question 5

A person is choking on a piece of food. The Heimlich maneuver is performed. What is the physiological basis for why this maneuver can dislodge the food?

Accepted Answer

It creates a forceful elevation of the diaphragm, pushing air into the trachea.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why bile is important for digestion?

Accepted Answer

Bile emulsifies fats, increasing their surface area for enzyme action.

Question 7

A person with a diet lacking in essential amino acids would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Inability to synthesize some proteins required for normal body function

Question 8

Which hormone is secreted by the stomach wall and triggers feelings of hunger before meals?

Accepted Answer

Ghrelin

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the liver in the context of digestion and metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Detoxifying alcohol and drugs absorbed from the intestines

Question 10

A patient has frequent heartburn and is diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which of the following best describes the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Frequent and severe acid reflux that harms the lining of the esophagus

Question 11

Which of the following combinations of foods would provide all essential amino acids for humans?

Accepted Answer

Beans and wheat

Question 12

Which of the following statements about LDL and HDL cholesterol is correct?

Accepted Answer

HDL conveys excess cholesterol to the liver for breakdown.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients.

Question 14

A person consumes a diet high in saturated fats and hydrogenated oils. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased LDL and higher risk of cardiovascular disease

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct description of peristalsis?

Accepted Answer

A series of involuntary, wave-like muscle contractions that move food along the digestive tract

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why diarrhea occurs?

Accepted Answer

Too little water is reclaimed from the contents of the large intestine

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the hormone gastrin in the digestive process?

Accepted Answer

It stimulates the release of gastric juice when food enters the stomach.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about vitamins and minerals is correct?

Accepted Answer

Minerals are inorganic nutrients required in small amounts.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between metabolic rate and basal metabolic rate (BMR)?

Accepted Answer

BMR is the energy used for basic life functions, while metabolic rate includes BMR plus energy used for other activities.

Question 20

Which of the following hormones is produced by adipose (fat) tissue and helps suppress appetite?

Accepted Answer

Leptin

Nutrition and Digestion: Chapter 21 Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards