Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of peristalsis in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?

Accepted Answer

Alternating waves of contraction and relaxation that propel food through the GI tract

Question 2

A patient presents with a deficiency in intrinsic factor. Which of the following complications is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Pernicious anemia due to impaired vitamin B12 absorption

Question 3

Which layer of the alimentary canal is primarily responsible for segmentation and peristalsis?

Accepted Answer

Muscularis externa

Question 4

During swallowing, which phase is voluntary and involves the tongue pushing the bolus into the pharynx?

Accepted Answer

Buccal phase

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the GI tract?

Accepted Answer

Coordinating local reflexes to control motility and secretion

Question 6

A patient has a tumor compressing the celiac trunk. Which digestive organs are most likely to be affected by reduced blood supply?

Accepted Answer

Spleen, liver, and stomach

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the stomach can expand significantly after a large meal without a major increase in internal pressure?

Accepted Answer

The presence of rugae and the stress-relaxation response of smooth muscle

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a function of saliva?

Accepted Answer

Emulsifying fats for absorption

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the mucosal barrier of the stomach is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

It is maintained by a thick layer of bicarbonate-rich mucus and rapid cell turnover

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of parietal cells in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Secreting hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor

Question 11

A patient is unable to properly digest carbohydrates in the mouth. Which enzyme is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Salivary amylase

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between segmentation and peristalsis in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Segmentation mixes and breaks down food, while peristalsis propels food forward

Question 13

Which of the following is a retroperitoneal organ?

Accepted Answer

Duodenum

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits digestive processes such as motility and secretion

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct sequence of layers in the wall of the alimentary canal from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why only small particles and liquids pass through the pyloric valve into the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Peristaltic waves in the pyloric region are most powerful and act as a pump

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the hepatic portal circulation?

Accepted Answer

Delivering nutrient-rich venous blood from digestive organs to the liver

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the regulation of gastric secretion?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic stimulation increases gastric secretion

Question 19

A patient with a damaged myenteric nerve plexus would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Impaired motility and coordination of peristalsis

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of gastrin in the digestive process?

Accepted Answer

It stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid by parietal cells

Chapter 23: The Digestive System – Structure, Function, and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions