Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of bile salts produced by the liver?

Accepted Answer

They emulsify fats to aid in digestion and absorption.

Question 2

A patient presents with gray-white, fatty, streaked stool. Which organ is most likely malfunctioning, and what is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Gallbladder; insufficient bile release

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Production of digestive enzymes for protein breakdown

Question 4

A patient with a history of intravenous drug use is diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C. Which of the following complications is this patient at increased risk for?

Accepted Answer

Liver cancer

Question 5

Which structure carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver for processing?

Accepted Answer

Hepatic portal vein

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why gallstones can cause severe pain during gallbladder contraction?

Accepted Answer

Gallstones block the flow of bile through the duct, increasing pressure during contraction.

Question 7

Which hormone is released by the duodenum in response to the arrival of acid and fat, and what are its effects?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin (CCK); causes gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme secretion

Question 8

A patient with liver cirrhosis is likely to have impaired removal of which of the following from the blood?

Accepted Answer

Drugs and hormones

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the microscopic structure of a hepatic lobule?

Accepted Answer

A central vein surrounded by sheets of hepatocytes separated by sinusoids

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the flow of bile from the liver to the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Right and left hepatic ducts → common hepatic duct → cystic duct → common bile duct → duodenum

Question 11

Which of the following is a primary function of the gallbladder?

Accepted Answer

Storage and concentration of bile

Question 12

A patient with a high-fat, low-fiber diet is at increased risk for which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Diverticulitis and colon cancer

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the pancreas is correct?

Accepted Answer

It secretes insulin and glucagon into the blood and pancreatic juice into the duodenum.

Question 14

Which of the following enzymes is responsible for the final breakdown of carbohydrates into monosaccharides in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Brush border enzymes

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why most fats are transported to the blood via lacteals rather than directly into capillaries?

Accepted Answer

Fats are too large to enter capillaries directly and must first enter the lymphatic system.

Question 16

A patient with lactose intolerance is unable to digest lactose because of a deficiency in which enzyme, and where is this enzyme located?

Accepted Answer

Lactase; brush border of the small intestine

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Random ringlike constrictions that mix and churn intestinal contents

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the bacterial flora in the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of vitamins B and K

Question 19

A patient presents with chronic constipation. Which of the following is the most likely physiological explanation?

Accepted Answer

Fecal movement is too slow, resulting in excessive water reabsorption.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why pepsin is inactivated upon entering the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

The alkaline pH of pancreatic juice in the duodenum inactivates pepsin.

Digestive System: Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, and Intestines

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard