Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the pyloric sphincter in the gastrointestinal system?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the passage of chyme from the stomach into the duodenum.

Question 2

A patient presents with yellow discoloration of the sclera (scleral icterus). Which condition is most likely responsible for this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Jaundice

Question 3

Which anatomical structure is responsible for preventing food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 4

Which enzyme is secreted by the salivary glands and begins the chemical digestion of carbohydrates in the oral cavity?

Accepted Answer

Amylase

Question 5

A patient with a history of alcoholism presents with a distended abdomen due to fluid accumulation. Which condition is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Ascites

Question 6

Which segment of the small intestine is primarily responsible for the absorption of nutrients and water?

Accepted Answer

Ileum

Question 7

Which of the following terms is correctly matched with its meaning?

Accepted Answer

choledoch/o- = common bile duct

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with diverticulitis. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Infection of pouches in the colon wall due to trapped feces

Question 9

Which hormone is released by the duodenum to stimulate the gallbladder to contract and release bile?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin

Question 10

A patient undergoes a barium enema. What is the primary purpose of this diagnostic procedure?

Accepted Answer

To outline the colon and rectum on x-ray for abnormalities

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the process of peristalsis?

Accepted Answer

The rhythmic muscular contractions that move food through the GI tract

Question 12

A patient with Crohn disease is most likely to have which of the following findings on examination of the intestine?

Accepted Answer

Thickened wall with ulcers and partial obstruction

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct order of the segments of the small intestine from proximal to distal?

Accepted Answer

Duodenum, jejunum, ileum

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why a gallstone in the lower common bile duct can cause pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

It prevents pancreatic digestive enzymes from entering the duodenum, causing them to back up into the pancreas.

Question 15

Which of the following medical terms is built from the word parts meaning 'study of the stomach and intestines'?

Accepted Answer

Gastroenterology

Question 16

A patient is unable to absorb vitamin B12 due to a deficiency in a substance produced by the stomach. Which substance is deficient?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic factor

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of villi in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients and water.

Question 18

A patient with a sliding hernia is at risk for which of the following complications if the hernia becomes strangulated?

Accepted Answer

Necrosis of the trapped intestinal tissue

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of emulsification in digestion?

Accepted Answer

The mechanical breakdown of fat globules into smaller droplets by bile

Question 20

A patient is scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which organ will be removed during this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Gallbladder

Medical Terminology Study Guide: Gastrointestinal System

Study Guide - Practice Questions