Question 1

Which of the following best describes the correct order of organization in the human body, from simplest to most complex?

Accepted Answer

Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism

Question 2

Which enzyme is responsible for the initial chemical breakdown of starch in the mouth?

Accepted Answer

Salivary amylase

Question 3

What is the primary function of peristalsis in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

To propel food forward through the digestive tract via wave-like muscle contractions

Question 4

Which of the following statements about bile is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder

Question 5

A patient has a blockage in their pancreatic duct. Which of the following digestive processes would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Chemical digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in the small intestine

Question 6

Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why lipids are absorbed into the lymphatic system rather than directly into the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

Lipids are too large and hydrophobic to enter capillaries directly

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events for the movement of a food bolus from the mouth to the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Mouth → Pharynx → Esophagus → Stomach

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Segmentation mixes chyme with digestive enzymes and slows its movement to enhance absorption

Question 10

A meal high in fat will remain in the stomach longer than a meal high in carbohydrates. This is primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Fats take longer to be chemically digested and emptied from the stomach

Question 11

Which of the following nutrients is absorbed directly into the blood and transported to the liver via the portal vein?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Chemical digestion of proteins

Question 13

If the pyloric sphincter failed to function properly, which of the following would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Acidic chyme would enter the small intestine too quickly, potentially damaging its lining

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for nutrient absorption

Question 15

Which of the following equations best represents the chemical breakdown of a triglyceride during digestion?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Triglyceride} + 3\ 	ext{H}_2	ext{O} ightarrow 	ext{Glycerol} + 3\ 	ext{Fatty Acids}$

Question 16

A person with a damaged liver may have difficulty with which of the following digestive processes?

Accepted Answer

Production of bile for lipid digestion

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the small intestine has such a large surface area?

Accepted Answer

To maximize nutrient absorption

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the fate of nutrients after absorption?

Accepted Answer

Water-soluble nutrients travel directly to the liver via the portal vein

Question 19

Which of the following is the best example of a multi-step process in digestion and absorption?

Accepted Answer

Starch is broken down by salivary amylase, further digested by pancreatic amylase, and absorbed as glucose in the small intestine

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of the liver in metabolic homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

The liver regulates nutrient distribution by storing nutrients after a meal and releasing them between meals

The Digestive System: Structure, Function, and Nutrient Absorption

Study Guide - Practice Questions