digestion practice questions

__________ can result if food passes too slowly through the large intestine. Irritable bowel syndrome Colitis Diarrhea Constipation

Constipation

Saliva contains enzymes that break down proteins. True False

False

Which of the following products does the stomach produce? HCl and intrinsic factor mucus and amylase pepsinogen and secretin bile and trypsin

HCl and intrinsic factor

Which of the following is a characteristic of the large intestine? It contains epiploic appendages. It provides no absorptive function. It is the site for acid neutralization. It has villi. It is longer than the small intestine.

It contains epiploic appendages.

What intestinal structure(s) consist(s) of protective aggregated nodules of lymphocytes and macrophages? the muscularis externa the muscularis mucosae the intestinal crypts Peyer's patches the gastric pits

Peyer's patches

What is a major function of pancreatic juice? a. neutralizing chyme entering the small intestine from the stomach b. emulsifying fats by breaking them into smaller pieces c. secreting hormones that help digest food in the duodenum d. acidifying the contents of the small intestine

a. neutralizing chyme entering the small intestine from the stomach

Why is pepsin inactive when tested at pH 7? a. pepsin's activity is specific to the stomach's pH of 1.5-3.5 b. a pH above 3 will denature proteins c. pepsin only works in the blood d. proteins in the stomach change its pH

a. pepsin's activity is specific to the stomach's pH of 1.5-3.5

Gastric juice does not typically cause a burning sensation within the stomach. But reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus can cause a burning sensation. One reason for the burning sensation caused by the gastric reflux is that the esophagus ______. a. secretes mucus that is not identical to stomach mucus b.is internally lined by epithelial cells that are in direct physical contact with the contents of the esophagus c. has enzymes that react with stomach acid to cause a burning sensation d. None of the listed responses is correct

a. secretes mucus that is not identical to stomach mucus

In general, parasympathetic inputs to the gut are ______ while sympathetic inputs are ______. a. stimulatory... inhibitory b. rapid... long lasting c. inhibitory... stimulatory d. hormonal... neural

a. stimulatory... inhibitory

Which of the following is NOT a function of the large intestine? a. synthesis of intrinsic factor b. absorption of electrolytes c. synthesis of vitamins d. absorption of water

a. synthesis of intrinsic factor

Many of the early food allergies seen in infants are caused by __________. lactase deficiency absorption of whole proteins gallstones excessive absorption of fat

absorption of whole proteins

Which enzyme(s) is/are responsible for the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates? trypsin proteases amylases nuclease

amylases

Your patient has had a total gastrectomy (removal of the stomach). Which of these potential problems are you MOST concerned about? a. Excessive bleeding as a result of absent clotting factors in the blood. b. Anemia c. Inability to digest starch because of the absence of amylase d. Inability to tolerate fats because of absent bile salts

b. Anemia

______ stimulates the gallbladder to contract. a. Secretin b. CCK c. Gastrin d. Fatty chime

b. CCK

What is the benefit of having tonsils at the oral entry to the pharynx? a. Tonsils secrete intrinsic factor, which is required for absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. b. The tonsils gather and remove many of the pathogens entering the pharynx in food or liquid. c. The tonsils secrete amylase to begin digestion of carbohydrates in the oral cavity. d. Tonsils secrete an alkaline mucus that protects the esophagus from acid reflux.

b. The tonsils gather and remove many of the pathogens entering the pharynx in food or liquid.

What would be the effect of stripping the small intestines of their villi? a. Salivary amylase secretion would increase. b. decreased surface area for absorption c. The large intestine would take over as the primary absorptive site. d. A duodenal ulcer would develop.

b. decreased surface area for absorption

A doctor consulting a patient that recently has had their gall bladder removed would likely advise ________. a. eating a low to no carb diet b. eating foods that are low in fat c. eating fewer, but larger meals d. increasing unsaturated fats while eliminating trans fats in their diets

b. eating foods that are low in fat

Halitosis is caused by __________. a. lack of amylase in saliva b. increased anaerobic bacterial activity at the back of the tongue c. increased salivation d. loss of teeth

b. increased anaerobic bacterial activity at the back of the tongue

The ______ in the small intestine have a similar structure and function to the ______ in the stomach. a. gastric pits... intestinal glands b. intestinal glands... gastric pits c. goblet cells... enteroendocrine cells d. brush border... rugae

b. intestinal glands... gastric pits

The ______ are double layers of peritoneum that extend from the body wall to the digestive viscera and help anchor them in place. a. omenta b. mesenteries c. serosal layers d. mucosal layers

b. mesenteries

The stomach is able to expand nearly 100 times its empty volume partly due to ______ in its walls. a. greater curvature b. rugae c. greater omentum d. fundus

b. rugae

The majority of absorption occurs in the ________. a. stomach b. small intestine c. large intestine d. mouth

b. small intestine

Frequently, criminal investigators will predict the age of a victim at the time of death. If this individual was under 18 years of age, how is it possible to closely estimate his/her age using dental evidence alone? a. the size of the teeth is directly correlated to the age of the victim b. teeth erupt at predictable ages in a predictable pattern c. the thickness of the enamel indicates age d. there are 4 sets of teeth, each coinciding with a different developmental age

b. teeth erupt at predictable ages in a predictable pattern

During the intestinal phase of gastric regulation, __________. a. secretin causes more HCl release b. the stomach is initially stimulated and later inhibited c. hormones reduce chief cell activity d. the gastroenteric reflex reduces stomach activity e. the enterogastric reflex is turned off

b. the stomach is initially stimulated and later inhibited

What substances from different organs would mix together at the hepatopancreatic ampulla? secretin and CCK brush border enzymes and intrinsic factor bile and pancreatic enzymes HCl and pepsin

bile and pancreatic enzymes

______ involves over 22 muscle groups and includes the buccal phase and the pharyngeal-esophageal phase. a. Mastication b. Bolus formation c. Deglutition d. Peristalsis

c. Deglutition

Which of the following is NOT a function of saliva? a. Saliva dissolves food chemicals so that they can be tasted. b. Saliva cleanses the mouth. c. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the chemical breakdown of proteins. d. Saliva moistens food and helps compact it into a bolus.

c. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the chemical breakdown of proteins.

Which of the following does NOT correctly describe basic regulation of digestive activity? a. pH, stretch, and osmolarity are some of the stimuli that can trigger digestive reflexes. b. Short reflexes act locally in the GI tract. c. The enteric nervous system is under conscious control. d. Digestive system effectors are smooth muscle and glands.

c. The enteric nervous system is under conscious control.

All of the following are true of swallowing (deglutition) except one. Select the statement that is NOT true of swallowing. a. The mouth, pharynx and esophagus all take part in swallowing. b. The involuntary portion of swallowing takes place in the pharynx. c. The epiglottis assists in propelling food into the trachea. d. The voluntary phase of swallowing takes place within the mouth.

c. The epiglottis assists in propelling food into the trachea.

Of the options listed below, the large intestine's greatest contribution to digestion is a. exposing the chyme to the rich assortment of pancreatic enzymes through the process of segmentation. b. absorption of all primary nutrients. c. absorption of water. d. regulation of gastric motility.

c. absorption of water.

Most teeth are primarily composed of ______. a. enamel b. pulp c. dentin d. gingival

c. dentin

The majority of _____ occurs in the mouth, stomach and small intestine. a. ingestion b. chemical digestion c. mechanical digestion d. absorption

c. mechanical digestion

The ______ cells are responsible for HCl production. a. goblet b. mucous c. parietal d. chief

c. parietal

A patient with a low RBC count receives vitamin B12 injections every 2 weeks. Which of the following might be causative? a. this patient is training for a triathlon b. this patient is anemic and has low iron c. parietal cells in this patient's stomach have ceased producing intrinsic factor d. this patient's parietal cells have stopped secreting HC1

c. parietal cells in this patient's stomach have ceased producing intrinsic factor

Which of the following types of epithelial tissues is most predominant throughout the digestive tract? a. simple squamous b. stratified squamous c. simple columnar d. simple cuboidal

c. simple columnar

Why is the small intestine well adapted for nutrient absorption? a. acid secretions from the stomach are neutralized in the duodenum b. CCK is released from the duodenum to promote liver and pancreatic secretion c. the interior of the small intestine has a huge surface area due to the presence of the plicae circulares, villi and microvilli d. the small intestine is very long and thin

c. the interior of the small intestine has a huge surface area due to the presence of the plicae circulares, villi and microvilli

Some aspects of the __________ phase of gastric secretion, which occur before food enters the stomach, may be considered conditioned reflexes. intestinal gastric esophageal cephalic

cephalic

Which of the following cells produce pepsinogen? mucous cells parietal cells G cells enteroendocrine cells chief cells

chief cells

What structural modification of the small intestine slows the movement of chyme through the lumen? circular folds villi microvilli intestinal crypts

circular folds

The human GI tract is home to a complex ecosystem of microbial cells, which comprise the gut microbiota. Which of the following is true of the microbiota? a. Generally, the highest concentration of GI tract microbes is found in the colon. b. Metabolism by the gut microbiota results in small amounts of vitamins and short-chain fatty acids which can be absorbed and utilized by cells of the body. c. Normally, beneficial bacteria vastly outnumber harmful bacteria in the microbiota. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

Ms. Burton, 48, presents at the clinic complaining of abdominal pain. She is a middle-aged woman, overweight, pale and sweating, with jaundice (yellowish skin and sclerae). Her heart rate is 102 beats/ min and BP is 145/98 mm Hg. She describes the pain as "severe" and "steady" over the past night, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. She sits leaning forward and indicates that the pain is in the epigastric region radiating up to the tip of the right shoulder. Ms. Burton's medical history shows that she has had several episodes of biliary colic (pain caused by gallstones going through the bile duct). She says her current pain is "sort of like that, but it's lasted longer." She says her last meal was a seven-cheese pizza the previous night, and that the pain began 3−4 hours after eating. She denies drinking or smoking. If Ms. Burton's current problem is related to obstruction of the biliary ducts, which other signs or symptoms would you expect her to develop? a. Blood in her stool. b. Low RBC count. c. Dizziness and decreased consciousness. d. Fatty and gray stools

d. Fatty and gray stools

Which of the following is the best explanation of the benefit in the digestive system having the largest collection of lymphoid tissue (MALT) at the distal end of the small intestine? a. The alkaline secretions of the small intestine aid in the growth of bacteria and these bacteria must be controlled. b. The body will actively excrete pathogens out of the body, into the digestive system, to be removed from the body in feces. c. The digestive systems first and foremost job is to digest and absorb nutrients so it puts off immunity for last. d. The huge numbers of bacteria living in the large intestine must be prevented from entering the lumen of the small intestine so they do not absorb the nutrients before the host can.

d. The huge numbers of bacteria living in the large intestine must be prevented from entering the lumen of the small intestine so they do not absorb the nutrients before the host can.

Stimuli that regulate gastrointestinal tract activity are generated by _________. a. the CNS b. chemoreceptors in the gut c. the enteric nerve plexus d. all of the above

d. all of the above

What is the primary stimulus for intestinal gland secretion? a. an alkaline content b. an acidic content c. distension of the intestinal wall d. both b and c

d. both b and c

A meal high in fat would a. stimulate rapid gastric emptying. b. stimulate the intensity of the stomach's peristaltic waves. c. increase gastrin secretion. d. inhibit the rate of gastric emptying

d. inhibit the rate of gastric emptying

Cirrhosis of the liver would most severely impact digestion of ______. a. carbohydrates b. amino acids c. proteins d. lipids

d. lipids

Which sequence below represents the correct order of the tunics of the GI tract, starting from the layer adjacent to the lumen and moving superficially? a. mucosa, muscularis externa, submucosa, serosa b. muscularis externa, serosa, submucosa, mucosa c. serosa, mucosa, muscularis externa, submucosa d. mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa e. submucosa, mucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

d. mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

Digestion of which of the following might be inhibited if a patient chronically consumes an antacid? a. lipid b. carbohydrate c. sugar d. protein

d. protein

Why does your mouth suddenly "go dry" when you are about to deliver a presentation to a large crowd? a. parasympathetic activity stimulates salivation b. parasympathetic activity inhibits salivation c. sympathetic activity stimulates salivation d. sympathetic activity inhibits salivation

d. sympathetic activity inhibits salivation

Which of the following is not an important contribution of the bacterial microbiota found in the large intestine? vitamin synthesis fermentation of carbohydrates digestion of proteins suppress the growth of harmful bacteria

digestion of proteins

When the diet lacks fiber and the volume of residues in the colon is small, the colon narrows and its contractions become more powerful, increasing the pressure on its walls. This promotes formation of __________. diverticula irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) gallstones cystic fibrosis

diverticula

In order to prevent self-digestion of the pancreas, activation of pancreatic proteases occurs in the __________. pancreas gallbladder duodenum liver stomach

duodenum

The __________ is the first segment of the small intestine. jejunum ileum colon duodenum

duodenum

Which regulatory chemical stimulates gastric gland activity and motility? secretin gastrin histamine vasoactive peptide CCK

gastrin

During deglutition, the bolus passes into the stomach from the esophagus through the __________. gastroesophageal sphincter ileocecal valve urethral sphincter esophageal sphincter pyloric sphincter

gastroesophageal sphincter

The __________ circulation collects nutrient-rich venous blood draining from the digestive viscera. splanchnic pulmonary enterohepatic hepatic portal

hepatic portal

Which teeth in the permanent dentition are best suited for cutting or nipping off pieces of food? premolars (bicuspids) canines incisors molars

incisors

Which of the following is NOT an accessory organ of the digestive system? teeth salivary glands tongue intestines

intestines

Which of the following is a condition affecting the large intestine that is NOT explained by anatomical or biochemical abnormalities? a hiatal hernia celiac disease irritable bowel syndrome pernicious anemia

irritable bowel syndrome

Most absorption of nutrients occurs in the __________. cecum and ascending colon descending and sigmoid colon stomach and duodenum jejunum and ileum

jejunum and ileum

Emulsification of which organic molecules would be most affected if the liver were severely damaged? lipids proteins carbohydrates nucleic acids

lipids

The ________ contains lobules with sinusoids (lined with macrophages) that lead to a central venous structure. liver spleen pancreas stomach

liver

Which of the following is the major process or function that occurs in the stomach? mechanical breakdown defecation absorption deglutition

mechanical breakdown

The final product of carbohydrate digestion is __________. monosaccharides starch polysaccharides glycogen disaccharides

monosaccharides

Which of the following is NOT an effect of aging on digestive system activity? more frequent bowel movements slowing of peristalsis fewer digestive juices are produced less efficient absorption

more frequent bowel movements

Which layer of the stomach contains the gastric pits that secrete mucus, acid, and digestive enzymes? serosa mucosa muscularis externa submucosa

mucosa

The myxovirus causes __________. mumps infectious mononucleosis measles irritable bowel syndrome

mumps

The digestive system in a cadaver is longer than in a living person because, in a cadaver, there is NO __________. food in the alimentary canal enzymatic activity digestion taking place muscle tone

muscle tone

The myenteric nerve plexus is located in which tunic of the alimentary canal? mucosa submucosa muscularis externa serosa

muscularis externa

Which of the following cells produce HCl? enteroendocrine cells G cells chief cells mucous cells parietal cells

parietal cells

Which of the following conditions is directly associated with an increased risk for heart disease and stroke? periodontitis impacted wisdom teeth gingivitis dental caries

periodontitis

The main propulsive force that occurs in the majority of the alimentary canal is called __________. swallowing segmentation peristalsis ingestion defecation

peristalsis

What are the main organic molecules digested in the stomach? carbohydrates proteins lipids nucleic acids salts

proteins

Which area of the stomach directly adjoins the small intestine? pylorus cardia fundus body

pylorus

From the esophagus to the anus, the walls of the alimentary canal have the same four basic tunics. The __________ is the outermost layer of the walls of the intraperitoneal organs. mucosa submucosa muscularis serosa

serosa

The major site for nutrient absorption is the __________. large intestine small intestine mouth stomach

small intestine

Where does the process of segmentation occur? stomach rectum small intestine esophagus

small intestine

Which organ of the digestive tract is the body's major digestive organ? large intestine stomach liver small intestine

small intestine

Which of the following is a function of the gallbladder? metabolizing carbohydrate storing and concentrating bile secreting pancreatic juice converting pepsinogen to pepsin

storing and concentrating bile

Which layer of the alimentary canal contains not only glands and blood vessels but also a nerve plexus that helps regulate digestive activity? mucosa serosa muscularis externa submucosa

submucosa

The short reflexes in the digestive system are stimulated by __________. the enteric nerve plexuses the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system higher brain centers

the enteric nerve plexuses

The only stomach function that is essential to life is __________. the secretion of intrinsic factor mechanical digestion the secretion of pepsinogen the presence of HCl

the secretion of intrinsic factor

The __________ is the serous membrane that covers most digestive organs. mesentery parietal peritoneum omenta visceral peritoneum

visceral peritoneum

Which of the following teeth are most commonly impacted? wisdom teeth incisors deciduous teeth premolars

wisdom teeth

Which of the following is the best illustration of the difference between metabolism and digestion? A. Metabolism comprises all of the chemical reactions preformed within the body while digestion is only the breakdown of food within the GI tract. B. Digestion requires enzymes for it to take place while metabolism does not necessarily need or use them. C. Digestion has a wide variety of chemical reactions while metabolism is restricted to only a few reaction types. D. Digestions must happen first for metabolism to follow it.

A. Metabolism comprises all of the chemical reactions preformed within the body while digestion is only the breakdown of food within the GI tract.

The major means of propulsion through the alimentary canal is peristalsis. The major means of propulsion through the alimentary canal is peristalsis. A. True B. False

A. True

In a patient suffering from untreated infection-induced peritonitis, an infection in the visceral peritoneum immediately ______. A. spreads directly to the parietal peritoneum B. spreads directly to the retroperitoneal organs C. causes appendicitis D. All of the listed responses are correct.

A. spreads directly to the parietal peritoneum

Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor in order to be absorbed? K A C B12

B12

When your stomach growls in response to an ad on TV for food, the ______ phase of gastric secretion is initiated. a. cephalic b. gastric c. intestinal d. gastrin

a. cephalic

Meals high in protein ______ gastrin secretion from the gastric glands. a. increase b. decrease c. have no affect upon d. slow down

a. increase

These structures are specialized for lipid absorption. a. lacteals b. hepatic portal vein c. epiploic appendages d. brush border

a. lacteals

Chemical digestion is initiated in the ______. a. mouth b. stomach c. small intestine d. large intestine

a. mouth

Choose the answer that lists the 4 layers of the wall of the alimentary canal in the appropriate order from innermost to outermost. a. mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa and serosa b. submucosa, mucosa, serosa, muscularis externa c. serosa, mucosa, muscularis externa, submucosa d. muscularis externa, submucosa, serosa, mucosa

a. mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa and serosa

What is a possible side effect of weakening of the cardiac sphincter? a. acid reflux into the esophagus b. uncontrollable bowel movements c. heart attack d. rapid over-filling of the stomach

a. acid reflux into the esophagus

The esophagus is a part of the ______ while the pancreas is considered to be a/an _______ when it comes to the digestive system. a. alimentary canal... accessory digestive organ b. stomach... propulsion organ c. accessory organs... alimentary canal component d. pharynx... mechanical digestive organ

a. alimentary canal... accessory digestive organ

The enteric nervous system is the in-house nerve supply of the alimentary canal. True False

True

Which of the following is the most common cause of peritonitis? a perforating ulcer of the stomach a burst appendix a ruptured pancreatic cyst a perforating abdominal wound

a burst appendix

You are caring for a patient with late-stage cirrhosis that has led to a decrease in the number of functioning hepatocytes. Which of the following would NOT be typical for a patient with this condition? a. Decreased half-life for drugs processed by the liver. b. Abnormal bleeding c. Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin) d. Inability to digest fats

a. Decreased half-life for drugs processed by the liver.

Which of the following statements about the mesentery is INCORRECT? a. It is composed of a layer of serous membrane fused with a layer of mucous membrane. b. Omenta is the special name for part of the mesentery extending from the curvatures of the stomach. c. It holds the organs of the abdomen in place. d. It provides a route for blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves to reach the digestive viscera.

a. It is composed of a layer of serous membrane fused with a layer of mucous membrane.

Which of the following best describes the capillary wall structure found in the liver lobules? a. The capillary walls have openings that allow large proteins and small cells to pass through. b. The capillary walls have openings that allow small proteins to pass through but not cells. c. The capillary walls are continuous, only allowing small molecules and water to pass through. d. The capillary walls only allow water to pass through.

a. The capillary walls have openings that allow large proteins and small cells to pass through.