Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of absorption in the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

The movement of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract into the circulatory system.

Question 2

Which organ is primarily responsible for the production of bile salts used in fat digestion?

Accepted Answer

Liver

Question 3

A patient is unable to digest carbohydrates efficiently due to a lack of a specific enzyme in saliva. Which enzyme is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Amylase

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why fats take longer to be absorbed in the small intestine compared to carbohydrates?

Accepted Answer

Fats require emulsification by bile and enzymatic breakdown before absorption.

Question 5

Which hormone stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate into the small intestine, raising the pH?

Accepted Answer

Secretin

Question 6

A person with a damaged lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is most likely to experience which condition?

Accepted Answer

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of the enteric nervous system in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating the release of digestive juices in response to signals from extrinsic nerves

Question 8

Which method of nutrient absorption requires energy and moves nutrients from low to high concentration?

Accepted Answer

Active transport

Question 9

A patient presents with chronic inflammation and ulcers throughout the entire GI tract. Which disorder is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Crohn's disease

Question 10

Which of the following nutrients is absorbed into the lymphatic system rather than directly into the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

Fat-soluble vitamins

Question 11

Which process is responsible for moving food forward through the GI tract by rhythmic muscular contractions?

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis

Question 12

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating hunger?

Accepted Answer

Ghrelin

Question 13

A person consumes a meal high in fat. Which hormone will be released to stimulate the gallbladder to release bile?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.

Question 15

Which digestive enzyme is responsible for the hydrolysis of proteins in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Pepsin

Question 16

If a patient has a deficiency in intrinsic factor, which nutrient absorption will be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B$_{12}$

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely consequence of chronic alcohol consumption on the liver?

Accepted Answer

Fatty liver, hepatitis, and eventually cirrhosis

Question 18

Which process is described by the equation $	ext{Nutrient}_{	ext{high}} ightarrow 	ext{Nutrient}_{	ext{low}}$ without energy or carrier proteins?

Accepted Answer

Passive diffusion

Question 19

A patient with rapid weight loss and obesity develops severe pain after eating fatty foods. Which digestive disorder is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Gallstones

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why segmentation is important in the intestines?

Accepted Answer

It shifts food back and forth, increasing contact with the intestinal wall for absorption.

Digestion, Absorption, and Transport: The Basics of Human Nutrition

Study Guide - Practice Questions