Question 1

Which of the following best describes the transition of epithelial tissue at the esophagus-stomach junction?

Accepted Answer

From stratified squamous epithelium to simple columnar epithelium

Question 2

A patient presents with severe heartburn after eating large meals and lying down. Which anatomical structure is most likely malfunctioning, leading to acid reflux?

Accepted Answer

Gastroesophageal (cardiac) sphincter

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary function of the vagus nerve in the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Controls the involuntary phase of deglutition (swallowing)

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Presence of rugae and the stress-relaxation response of smooth muscle

Question 5

A patient with a history of chronic NSAID use develops a gastric ulcer. Which of the following best explains the pathophysiology?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDs disrupt the mucosal barrier, allowing acid to erode the stomach wall

Question 6

Which cell type in the gastric glands is responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cells

Question 7

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chemical reaction catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase in parietal cells during HCl production?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$ + H_2O \xrightarrow{carbonic\ anhydrase} H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H^+ + $$HCO_3$$^-}$$

Question 8

Which hormone is released by enteroendocrine cells in response to partially digested proteins and stimulates parietal cells to secrete HCl?

Accepted Answer

Gastrin

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic factor

Question 10

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 11

A patient has a blockage in the common hepatic duct. Which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Bile cannot flow from the liver to the gallbladder or duodenum

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why a patient who has had their gallbladder removed should follow a low-fat diet?

Accepted Answer

Bile is no longer stored and concentrated, so fat digestion is less efficient

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the activation of pancreatic proteases in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Trypsinogen is activated to trypsin by enteropeptidase; trypsin then activates chymotrypsinogen and procarboxypeptidase

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts?

Accepted Answer

Bile salts are reabsorbed in the ileum and returned to the liver via the hepatic portal vein

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct effect of secretin released from the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate-rich juice

Question 16

A patient with obstructive jaundice is most likely to have which of the following laboratory findings?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood bilirubin

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why excessive vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis?

Accepted Answer

Loss of gastric acid (HCl) increases blood bicarbonate

Question 18

Which of the following is the main digestive function of the liver?

Accepted Answer

Production of bile for fat emulsification

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of cholecystokinin (CCK) on the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile

Digestive System: Pharynx, Esophagus, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards