Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

To break down food into absorbable nutrients and eliminate indigestible residues

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption in the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Small intestine

Question 3

A patient presents with severe abdominal pain after a ruptured appendix. Which condition is most likely to develop if not treated promptly?

Accepted Answer

Peritonitis

Question 4

Which of the following is a function of the mucosa layer of the alimentary canal?

Accepted Answer

Secretes digestive enzymes and hormones

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the stomach does not digest itself?

Accepted Answer

A mucosal barrier consisting of bicarbonate-rich mucus and tight junctions protects the stomach lining

Question 6

Which hormone is released in response to fatty chyme in the duodenum and stimulates gallbladder contraction?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Question 7

A patient with pernicious anemia is most likely deficient in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events during the swallowing (deglutition) process?

Accepted Answer

Buccal phase (voluntary) → Pharyngeal-esophageal phase (involuntary)

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of bile salts in digestion?

Accepted Answer

They emulsify fats, increasing surface area for lipase action

Question 10

Which of the following is a consequence of a low-fiber diet in the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of diverticulosis due to higher pressure on colon walls

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why pancreatic proteases are secreted in an inactive form?

Accepted Answer

To prevent digestion of the pancreas itself

Question 12

A patient with celiac disease has damage to which structure, leading to malabsorption?

Accepted Answer

Brush border of the small intestine

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Monosaccharides are absorbed via secondary active transport with Na+

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

It absorbs most of the remaining water and forms feces

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which HCl is secreted into the stomach lumen?

Accepted Answer

H+ is pumped into the lumen by H+/K+ ATPase, while Cl− diffuses in to form HCl

Question 16

A patient with a blocked common bile duct would have difficulty digesting which type of nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Lipids

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the enterogastric reflex?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits gastric secretion and motility when the duodenum is distended or acidic

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Loss of bicarbonate-rich intestinal fluids reduces the body's buffering capacity

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the absorption of vitamin B12?

Accepted Answer

It requires intrinsic factor and is absorbed by endocytosis in the ileum

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of the hepatic portal vein?

Accepted Answer

It carries nutrient-rich blood from the GI tract to the liver for processing

Chapter 23: The Digestive System – Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions