Deck 3: Digestion, Absorption, and Transport

Question 1

Peristalsis ____. ​

A)ceases between meals when the GI tract is empty
B)occurs at a constant rate along the GI tract, but only when food is present
C)involves parallel and circular muscles found in the walls of the intestines, but not the stomach
D)is characterized by wavelike contractions due to the action of circular and longitudinal muscles

Answer 1

D

Question 2

In which structure does the digestion process begin?

A)mouth
B)stomach
C)duodenum
D)sigmoid colon

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The process by which food is broken down into absorbable components is called ____.

A)digestion
B)absorption
C)excretion
D)mastication

Answer 3

A

Question 4

The lumen of the GI tract is the ____.

A)circular muscle
B)capillaries
C)inner space
D)mucosal surface

Question 5

Which enzymes are responsible for hydrolyzing the proteins in foods? ​

A)lipases
B)zymogens
C)proteases
D)carbohydrases

Question 6

After swallowing, in which order does food pass through the regions of the GI tract? ​

A)jejunum, duodenum, colon, ileum, rectum
B)jejunum, ileum, duodenum, rectum, colon
C)stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon
D)stomach, jejunum, duodenum, colon, ileum

Question 7

Chyme is released from the stomach when ____.

A)it is completely liquefied
B)protein is completely digested
C)the pyloric sphincter closes
D)its muscles begin to churn the food

Question 8

Sphincter muscles ____. ​

A)control peristalsis and segmentation
B)grind large food particles into chyme
C)secrete digestive juices into the GI tract
D)control the passage of food through the GI tract

Question 9

The portion of food swallowed at one time, known as ____, is transported from the mouth to the stomach via the ____. ​

A)a sphincter; epiglottis
B)chyme; pyloric sphincter
C)a bolus; esophagus
D)mucus; large intestine

Question 10

After consuming a slice a pizza, carbohydrate digestion will begin in the mouth, and then continue in the small intestine. Why does carbohydrate digestion cease in the stomach? ​

A)Salivary carbohydrases do not function in an acidic environment.
B)Gastric juices digest fats only, not carbohydrates or protein.
C)Salivary carbohydrases are activated from zymogens only in the intestine.
D)Carbohydrates are digested only by mastication, not by enzymatic hydrolysis.

Question 11

The backward flow of stomach contents, a process known as ____, is prevented by the ____. ​

A)peristalsis; cardiac sphincter
B)segmentation; ileocecal valve
C)motility; upper esophageal sphincter
D)reflux; lower esophageal sphincter

Question 12

What is the function of mucus in the stomach?

A)to emulsify fats
B)to neutralize stomach acid
C)to digest proteins and carbohydrates
D)to protect stomach cells from gastric juices

Question 13

Which structure controls the release of material from the stomach to the small intestine and prevents the contents of the small intestine from backing up into the stomach? ​

A)ileocecal valve
B)pyloric sphincter
C)diaphragmatic valve
D)esophageal sphincter

Question 14

Which structure prevents the entrance of food into the trachea? ​

A)tongue
B)epiglottis
C)cardiac sphincter
D)larynx

Question 15

Which structure controls the passage of material from the small intestine to the large intestine?

A)pyloric sphincter
B)ileocecal valve
C)upper esophageal sphincter
D)cardiac sphincter

Question 16

Which description accurately depicts the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract? ​

A)a vatlike vessel
B)a rigid, solid tunnel
C)a flexible muscular tube
D)a firm, ductlike channel

Question 17

What is the function of the appendix? ​

A)It ferments fiber.
B)It contains lymph cells.
C)It slows down peristalsis.
D)It stores preformed stools.

Question 18

Which statement describes the muscular contractions of the GI tract? ​

A)Peristalsis begins in the stomach upon the initiation of the swallowing reflex.
B)To withstand the pressure of stool evacuation, the colon must have the thickest and strongest muscles of the GI tract.
C)The jejunum has a third layer of diagonal muscles to enhance contraction and relaxation phases for optimal digestion.
D)The periodic contractions of intestinal muscles mix the chyme before allowing the contents to move toward the colon.

Question 19

Chyme is a ____. ​

A)semisolid mass of undigested food that passes through the ileocecal valve
B)semiliquid mass of partially digested food released by the stomach into the small intestine
C)mixture of pancreatic juices containing enzymes for macronutrient digestion
D)thick, viscous material synthesized by mucosal cells for protection against digestive juices

Question 20

What is the primary function of the rectum?

A)The rectum controls functioning of the colon.
B)The rectum absorbs minerals from waste materials.
C)The rectum stores waste materials prior to evacuation.
D)The rectum absorbs excess water from waste materials.

Question 21

Dietary fiber ____. ​

A)inhibits protease activity
B)promotes water retention of stools
C)inhibits intestinal motility
D)promotes vitamin excretion

Question 22

Your cousin Miguel is extolling the virtues of his new dietary supplement. He says that it contains enzymes that will make him healthier, and he asks for your opinion. How should you respond?

A)The supplement will increase the digestibility of the foods he eats.
B)The supplement could likely interfere with the enzymes secreted by his pancreas.
C)The supplement could likely overload his gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea.
D)Enzymes are proteins, which will be destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 23

Which class of nutrients requires the least amount of digestion before being absorbed in the small intestine? ​

A)lipids
B)proteins
C)vitamins
D)carbohydrates

Question 24

In the colon, ____ is/are absorbed and ____ is produced from the fermentation of fibers. ​

A)bile; small fat fragments
B)fats; bile
C)dissolved salts; gas
D)hormones; water

Question 25

For optimal absorption of nutrients, it is usually best to ____. ​

A)eat several small meals each day so that the GI tract is not overwhelmed
B)combine different food types to enhance the absorption process
C)avoid eating meat and fruit at the same meal to prevent competition
D)take enzyme pills periodically so the GI tract can rest and rejuvenate

Question 26

Water-soluble nutrients are transported from intestinal epithelial cells to the ____ via the ____. ​

A)liver; hepatic portal vein
B)heart; aorta
C)liver; hepatic vein
D)kidneys; lymphatic system

Question 27

The purpose of bicarbonate in the digestive process is to ____. ​

A)raise the pH of chyme
B)lower the pH of chyme
C)hydrolyze large proteins
D)hydrolyze fats

Question 28

Intestinal cells absorb nutrients by ____. ​

A)diffusion only
B)active transport only
C)active transport and diffusion only
D)active transport, diffusion, and facilitated diffusion

Question 29

After sitting through a 2-hour math lecture, your stomach is growling. You have just learned about surface area and its role in mathematics. Your classmate points out that surface area is also integral to the absorption of nutrients due to the ____.

A)protective effect of the gastric mucosa
B)relatively large size of digested protein molecules
C)enormous number of villi and microvilli in the small intestine
D)presence of both circular and longitudinal muscles in the GI tract

Question 30

Which product of digestion is not normally released directly into the bloodstream? ​

A)fats
B)minerals
C)vitamin C
D)carbohydrates

Question 31

Within the intestinal villi crypts, ____. ​

A)chylomicrons are synthesized
B)intestinal juices are secreted into the small intestine
C)small fat fragments are synthesized for use by the colon
D)fat-soluble nutrients are transported into intestinal capillaries

Question 32

Exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials takes place across the walls of small blood vessels called ____. ​

A)ducts
B)venules
C)arterioles
D)capillaries

Question 33

Which substance cannot be digested by humans but instead stimulates intestinal muscle contractions? ​

A)bile
B)fiber
C)starch
D)protein

Question 34

Which dietary substance is not a substrate for the digestive enzymes present in the pancreatic juice secreted into the intestinal tract? ​

A)fats
B)fiber
C)proteins
D)carbohydrates

Question 35

In the stomach, hydrochloric acid ____. ​

A)kills bacteria
B)activates pancreatic lipase
C)activates pancreatic carbohydrases
D)inhibits hydrolysis of dietary protein

Question 36

Which substance is not a typical component of feces?

A)​water
B)​fiber
C)​starch
D)​bacteria

Question 37

What is the body's most metabolically active organ? ​

A)liver
B)spleen
C)stomach
D)pancreas

Question 38

Which organ does not secrete digestive enzymes?

A)liver
B)stomach
C)pancreas
D)salivary glands

Question 39

The primary function of the intestinal microvilli is to ____. ​

A)secrete bile salts
B)secrete digestive acids
C)transport nutrient molecules into the cells
D)transport pancreatic enzymes into the lumen

Question 40

Bile brings fats into suspension in water in a process known as ____, allowing enzymes to break down the fat molecules. ​

A)condensation
B)emulsification
C)segmentation
D)peristalsis

Question 41

Which substance controls the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach to prevent excessive acidity? ​

A)cholecystokinin
B)gastrin
C)secretin
D)bicarbonate

Question 42

Digestive enzymes use water to break a molecule into smaller pieces, a process known as ____.

A)absorption
B)negative feedback
C)active transport
D)hydrolysis

Question 43

Which process is associated with the presence of fat in the GI tract?

A)inhibition of mucosal enzyme activities
B)slowing of digestion and absorption
C)inhibition of thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin absorption
D)stimulation and hastening of digestion and absorption

Question 44

Which substance is produced by bacteria in the small intestine?

A)​mucus
B)​chyme
C)​glucose
D)​vitamins

Question 45

Which role is performed by the human microbiome?

A)construction of long, fat fragments
B)digestion of indigestible fibers
C)digestion of vitamins and minerals
D)activation of digestive hormones

Question 46

What are the usual consequences of removing a diseased gallbladder?

A)inability to digest fats
B)some damage to the pancreas
C)inability to digest carbohydrates
D)delivery of bile directly to the intestine

Question 47

Nancy is having difficulty digesting fatty foods. Her physician found no evidence of inflammation, and suspects that the gallbladder is not releasing adequate bile in response to fat in the small intestine. Which hormone may be malfunctioning?

A)cholecystokinin
B)gastrin
C)secretin
D)pancreatic lipase

Question 48

Lymph is a ____.

A)light-red fluid that stores fat-soluble vitamins
B)transparent yellowish fluid that contains no red blood cells or platelets
C)white fluid that contains probiotics and appears at the site of infections
D)reddish fluid that contains abundant platelets and water-soluble vitamins

Question 49

Lacteals are ____. ​

A)gastric secretory cells
B)products of milk digestion
C)intestinal lymphatic vessels
D)products of fermentation

Question 50

Approximately how many different species and subspecies of bacteria live in a healthy GI tract? ​

A)​20
B)​100
C)​400
D)​1000

Question 51

When alcohol and barbiturates are ingested, they are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and transported immediately to the ____.

A)​liver
B)​heart
C)​spleen
D)​kidneys

Question 52

Which statement characterizes pancreatic digestive enzyme function?

A)The major hormone controlling the release of pancreatic enzymes is gastrin.
B)The release of pancreatic enzymes is controlled primarily by a pancreatic sphincter.
C)The pancreas can increase the activity of fat-degrading enzymes in response to increased fat in the diet.
D)The amounts of digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas remain constant despite varying nutrient intake.

Question 53

Which substance stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate-rich juice?

A)​gastrin
B)​secretin
C)​saliva
D)​bile

Question 54

Which structure conducts lymph into the vascular system?

A)thoracic duct
B)hepatic vein
C)subclavian vein
D)common bile duct

Question 55

Cholecystokinin stimulates the release of ____ from the ____.

A)carbohydrases; salivary glands
B)gastrin; pancreas
C)hydrochloric acid; stomach
D)bile; gallbladder

Question 56

The chief purpose of the gallbladder is to store ____, which is required for the assimilation of dietary ____.

A)bile; fats
B)cholecystokinin; carbohydrates
C)secretin; protein
D)gastrin; proteins

Question 57

What is the difference between the processes of nutrient absorption by simple diffusion versus active transport?

A)Nutrients absorbed by active transport cross freely into intestinal cells, while nutrients absorbed by simple diffusion move against their concentration gradient, which requires energy.
B)Nutrients absorbed by simple diffusion cross freely into intestinal cells, while nutrients absorbed by active transport move against their concentration gradient, which requires energy.
C)Nutrients absorbed by simple diffusion need a specific carrier molecule to transport them into intestinal cells, while nutrients absorbed by active transport move against their concentration gradient, which does not require energy.
D)Nutrients absorbed by simple diffusion cross freely into intestinal cells, while nutrients absorbed by active transport need a specific carrier molecule to transport them into intestinal cells, which does not require energy.

Question 58

Which meal will require the greatest time for digestion? ​

A)steak and French fries
B)nonfat yogurt and strawberries
C)vegetable stir fry with rice
D)toast with jam and skim milk

Question 59

Microorganisms in food (e.g., yogurt)that are viable when consumed and promote healthful changes in the human microbiome are known as ____. ​

A)probiotics
B)prebiotics
C)enemas
D)laxatives

Question 60

The lymphatic system ____. ​

A)carries fats away from the intestines and fluids towards the heart
B)contains a fluid with a composition similar to pancreatic fluid
C)circulates lymph via a one-way pump situated near the subclavian vein
D)transports both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins to the vascular system

Question 61

What is intestinal ischemia?

A)reduced blood flow to the intestines
B)chronic episodes of reverse peristalsis
C)lack of intestinal lymph supply
D)inflammation of two or more sphincter muscles

Question 62

At his annual medical check-up, Jim was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux. Which medical condition may be the cause of Jim's condition?

A)inhibition of peristalsis
B)overactive cardiac sphincter activity
C)overactive pyloric sphincter activity
D)defective lower esophageal sphincter activity

Question 63

A person with chronic diarrhea is at risk for ____.

A)dehydration
B)constipation
C)peptic ulcers
D)hemorrhoids

Question 64

Ingestion of which nutrients is most associated with increased production of intestinal gas? ​

A)​iron
B)​fats
C)​proteins
D)​carbohydrates

Question 65

Untreated gastroesophageal reflux increases the risk for the more serious condition known as ____.

A)colitis
B)diverticulitis
C)Barrett ' s esophagus
D)irritable bowel syndrome

Question 66

An individual suffering from constipation should ____.

A)decrease water intake
B)increase fiber intake
C)decrease physical activity
D)ignore defecation signals

Question 67

A person on a low-fiber diet is at increased risk for experiencing elevated rectal vein pressure that can lead to the formation of ____.

A)reflux
B)hiccups
C)hemorrhoids
D)peptic ulcers

Question 68

Over-the-counter antacids are used to treat ____.

A)excessive gas
B)excessive belching
C)occasional acid indigestion
D)active ulcers in the stomach

Question 69

Common causes of gastroesophageal reflux include ____.

A)eating too slowly
B)eating and/or drinking too much
C)wearing loose clothing
D)being underweight

Question 70

What is the primary cause of belching? ​

A)swallowing air
B)viral infections
C)eating spicy foods
D)drinking alcoholic beverages

Question 71

Constipation is characterized by ____.

A)painful or difficult and infrequent bowel movements
B)reflux more than three times a month
C)more than a day without a bowel movement
D)soft or watery bowel movements

Question 72

In the GI tract, the ____ secrete mucus.

A)goblet cells
B)microvilli
C)thoracic duct
D)villi

Question 73

What is the first action you should take if you suspect someone is choking on food?

A)Ask the person if they can speak.
B)Perform the Heimlich maneuver.
C)Strike the person sharply on the back.
D)Attempt to dislodge the food with your fingers.

Question 74

Choking occurs when a piece of food becomes firmly lodged in the ____.

A)​larynx
B)​trachea
C)​epiglottis
D)​esophagus

Question 75

When ingested in large quantities, the sugar alternative sorbitol and the fat alternative olestra are known to induce ____.

A)diarrhea
B)vomiting
C)pancreatitis
D)celiac disease

Question 76

Which of the following results from reverse peristalsis?

A)​gas
B)​choking
C)​vomiting
D)​diarrhea

Question 77

Colonic irrigation is a(n)____ and popular practice for treatment of ____.

A)successful; belching
B)potentially harmful; constipation
C)unsuccessful; rapid peristalsis
D)safe; diarrhea

Question 78

People who have frequent, regular bouts of heartburn and indigestion have a medical condition known as ____. ​

A)colitis
B)watery stools
C)celiac disease
D)gastroesophageal reflux

Question 79

Inflammation of the large intestine is known as ____.

A)colitis
B)indigestion
C)hemorrhoids
D)celiac disease

Question 80

Which symptom is characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome?

A)mild abdominal discomfort
B)alternating diarrhea and constipation
C)constipation, but not diarrhea
D)vomiting in the absence of food triggers