Deck 4: Human Digestion and Absorption

Question 1

Segmentation as a function of the GI tract involves

A) peristalsis to move the food along the GI tract.
B) back and forth contractions that break apart the food mass.
C) conscious effort.
D) enzyme input to break apart the food mass.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A circular muscle that can open and close and acts to regulate the flow of materials in one direction is referred to as

A) enterohepatic circulation.
B) a sphincter.
C) a pump.
D) peristalsis.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Most digestive enzymes are synthesized by the

A) liver and large intestine.
B) bile and gallbladder.
C) kidneys and esophagus.
D) pancreas and small intestine.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

In the process of swallowing,food cannot normally enter the trachea because the

A) tongue directs the flow of food down the esophagus and away from the trachea.
B) esophageal sphincter shuts off the passage to the larynx.
C) epiglottis covers the larynx.
D) trachea does not connect to the esophagus.

Question 5

The lower esophageal sphincter is located between the

A) stomach and esophagus.
B) stomach and duodenum.
C) ileum and the cecum.
D) sigmoid colon and the anus.

Question 6

A coordinated muscular contraction that propels food along the GI tract is called

A) a sphincter.
B) enterohepatic circulation.
C) a pump.
D) peristalsis.

Question 7

The breakdown of dietary starch to glucose in the small intestine is considered

A) metabolism.
B) hormonal action.
C) digestion.
D) absorption.

Question 8

The smallest functional unit of the human body is the

A) organ.
B) organ system.
C) cell.
D) epithelial tissue.

Question 9

Gastrin,secretin,CCK,and gastric inhibitory peptide are examples of

A) enzymes.
B) hormones.
C) active absorption.
D) None of these choices are accurate.

Question 10

Tissues are defined as

A) functional systems.
B) complex organs that perform one task.
C) a diverse collection of cells.
D) a collection of cells that perform a specific function.

Question 11

Which of the following organs is NOT part of the gastrointestinal organ system?

A) pancreas
B) small intestine
C) kidneys
D) liver

Question 12

The 4 primary types of tissue are

A) epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.
B) gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, muscle, and immune.
C) gastrointestinal, endocrine, nervous, and cardiovascular.
D) skeletal, muscle, endocrine, and cardiovascular.

Question 13

Human digestion of food begins in the _______,where the enzyme _____ breaks down a small amount of starch.

A) mouth; amylase
B) stomach; pepsin
C) small intestine; amylase
D) mouth; lipase

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT an enzyme?

A) Sucrase
B) Bile
C) Pepsin
D) Lipase

Question 15

Bicarbonate ions (HCO₃-)from the pancreas

A) neutralize the acid contents in the stomach.
B) are synthesized in the pyloric sphincter.
C) neutralize the bile in the duodenum.
D) neutralize the acid contents in the duodenum.

Question 16

The ______ layer of the GI tract wall contains glands,blood vessels,and nerves,whereas the ________ layer is the outermost layer that protects the GI tract.

A) mucosa; muscle
B) serosa; submucosa
C) submucosa; muscle
D) submucosa; serosa

Question 17

The sphincter that allows chyme to pass into the small intestine is known as the

A) lower esophageal sphincter.
B) sphincter of Oddi.
C) pyloric sphincter.
D) ileocecal sphincter.

Question 18

The chemical reaction sucrose + H₂O $\rarr$ fructose + glucose is an example of a ___________ reaction.

A) hydrolysis
B) synthetic
C) hormonal
D) carboxylase

Question 19

The taste sensation umami can best be described as

A) a somewhat salty flavor derived from metal ions.
B) the combination of salt and sweet tastes together.
C) a savory or meaty taste derived from the amino acid glutamate.
D) the taste that arises from compounds such as caffeine and quinine.

Question 20

The bacteria that usually inhabit the large intestine are prevented from backing up into the ileum by the action of the

A) sphincter of Oddi.
B) ileocecal sphincter.
C) pyloric sphincter.
D) rectal sphincter.

Question 21

Actions of hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach include

A) promoting digestion of protein.
B) destroying bacteria and viruses found in foods.
C) dissolving dietary minerals for improved absorption.
D) All of the responses are correct.

Question 22

The small intestine is divided into three segments.List them in descending order.

A) Ileum, jejunum, duodenum
B) Jejunum, ileum, duodenum
C) Duodenum, ileum, jejunum
D) Duodenum, jejunum, ileum

Question 23

The fluid mixture that moves from the stomach to the duodenum is called

A) bolus.
B) chyme.
C) food.
D) None of these choices are accurate.

Question 24

Amino acids and glucose enter cells by

A) active transport.
B) passive diffusion.
C) facilitated diffusion.
D) endocytosis.

Question 25

The gastric secretion,pepsin,is necessary for

A) preventing peptic ulcer formation.
B) protein digestion.
C) vitamin B-12 absorption.
D) destruction of harmful bacteria and viruses.

Question 26

Which substances can be absorbed in the small intestine?

A) glucose, minerals, amino acids, vitamins, alcohol
B) sucrose, lactose, fats, alcohol, protein
C) starch, fats, glucose, protein, alcohol
D) glucose, fructose, sucrose, alcohol, protein

Question 27

Most of the digestive processes occur in the

A) mouth.
B) stomach.
C) small intestine.
D) large intestine.
E) colon.

Question 28

The major function(s)of the stomach are

A) the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, especially starch.
B) the digestion and absorption of alcohol.
C) to mix ingested foods with gastric juices to form chyme.
D) All of these responses are correct.

Question 29

The life span of absorptive cells in the villi is approximately

A) 24 hours.
B) 2 to 5 days.
C) 8 to 10 days.
D) 4 to 6 weeks.

Question 30

Saliva contains

A) an amylase.
B) mucus.
C) intrinsic factor.
D) an amylase and mucus.

Question 31

The salivary glands produce about ___ cup(s)of saliva each day.Saliva is a watery fluid that contains ________,___________,and ___________.

A) 1; mucus; digestive enzymes; antibacterial substances
B) 1; mucus; bile; hormones
C) 4; mucus; digestive enzymes; antibacterial substances
D) 4; mucus; bile; hormones

Question 32

At the beginning of a meal,the hormone _______ is secreted from the stomach; this hormone controls the release of _______.

A) pepsinogen; pepsin
B) gastrin; HCl
C) bile; lipase
D) cholecystokinin; pancreatic enzymes

Question 33

The villi found in the gastrointestinal tract

A) are finger-like projections into the lumen of the small intestine.
B) are covered with the brush border (microvilli).
C) contain cells that produce mucus, hormones, and enzymes.
D) produce a large surface area for nutrient absorption.
E) All of these choices are correct.

Question 34

Villi are found mainly in the

A) large intestine.
B) small intestine.
C) esophagus.
D) stomach.

Question 35

The secretions of the gallbladder,liver,and pancreas enter the

A) ileum, by way of a common duct.
B) duodenum, by way of the sphincter of Oddi.
C) stomach, by way of a common duct.
D) jejunum, by way of the sphincter of Oddi.

Question 36

The stomach can absorb

A) proteins or amino acids.
B) sugars, such as lactose.
C) alcohol.
D) nothing.

Question 37

Heartburn is caused by

A) acid surrounding the heart muscle.
B) acid and other digestive enzymes within the heart muscle.
C) the backflow of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus.
D) None of these choices are accurate.

Question 38

The stomach is protected from digesting itself by producing

A) bicarbonate only when food is in the stomach.
B) a thick layer of mucus to coat the lining of the stomach.
C) hydroxyl ions to neutralize the acid.
D) antipepsin that destroys digestive substances.

Question 39

The absorptive process that requires energy in the form of ATP is

A) facilitated diffusion.
B) active absorption.
C) enterohepatic circulation.
D) the lymphatic system.

Question 40

Muscular waves in the stomach mix and churn the contents of a meal with

A) bile.
B) gastric juices.
C) pancreatic juices.
D) sodium bicarbonate.

Question 41

Oral rehydration therapy,used to treat diarrhea in infants and children,consists of a solution of

A) protein in water.
B) antibiotics in water.
C) sodium, potassium, chloride, and glucose in water.
D) vitamins in water.

Question 42

Rotavirus infection causes

A) stomach blockage and severe pain.
B) inflammation of the pancreas and severe pain.
C) severe diarrhea and dehydration.
D) peptic ulcer formation.

Question 43

An example of a prebiotic is

A) a food that contains a naturally occurring antibiotic.
B) cheese, because of its short-chain fatty acid content.
C) any food that contains organic acids and short-chain fatty acids.
D) inulin, a poorly-digested carbohydrate found in foods such as onions, garlic, and asparagus.

Question 44

Much of the digestion that occurs in the large intestine is caused by

A) lipase.
B) pepsin.
C) saliva.
D) bacteria.

Question 45

__________ increases the available surface area of fats for digestion and later absorption.

A) Pancreatic lipase
B) Lingual lipase
C) Gastric lipase
D) Bile

Question 46

Lymph

A) is like blood, since it contains mostly red blood cells.
B) is a fluid containing blood proteins.
C) recycles nutrients between the liver and the small intestine.
D) transports fat-soluble particles from the intestinal tract to the general circulation.

Question 47

Probiotics may be most useful in treating

A) constipation.
B) diarrhea in children.
C) celiac disease.
D) food intolerance.

Question 48

Most dietary fats will

A) be converted to short-chain fatty acids for absorption with other water-soluble nutrients.
B) enter the lymphatic system.
C) enter the colon and become "food" for bacteria.
D) be converted to bile in the lumen of the intestine.

Question 49

Insufficient production of bile is mostly likely to impair absorption of

A) starch
B) fat
C) protein
D) sugars

Question 50

Secretions from the pancreas include

A) HCl and digestive enzymes.
B) sodium bicarbonate and digestive enzymes.
C) cholecystokinin and sodium bicarbonate.
D) All of these responses are correct.

Question 51

The hepatic portal system delivers nutrients from the digestive tract to the

A) heart.
B) liver.
C) kidneys.
D) lungs.

Question 52

An example of a probiotic is

A) bacteria in yogurt.
B) fiber in whole wheat bread.
C) calcium in milk.
D) digestible carbohydrates in bananas.

Question 53

An example of a brush border enzyme is

A) sucrase.
B) lipase.
C) amylase.
D) bile.

Question 54

Fiber and starches not digested in the small intestine may be fermented by bacteria in the large intestine to form

A) short-chain fatty acids and flatus.
B) long-chain fatty acids and bile.
C) short- and long-chain fatty acids.
D) simple sugars and flatus.

Question 55

Water-soluble nutrients enter into the body by way of

A) the blood.
B) the lymph system.
C) both the blood and the lymph system.
D) neither the blood nor the lymph system.

Question 56

Which of the following dietary or nutritional factors may worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease?

A) Being overweight
B) Consuming a high-fat diet
C) Alcohol and caffeine consumption
D) Consumption of large meals
E) All of these responses are correct

Question 57

The main function of the liver in the digestive system is

A) producing enzymes for digestion of protein, fat, and carbohydrate.
B) producing the hormones that regulate digestion and absorption.
C) producing bile for fat digestion and absorption.
D) distributing nutrients to the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 58

Which of the following nutrients may be absorbed by the colon?

A) Minerals, such as sodium and potassium
B) Some vitamins synthesized by bacteria
C) Short-chain fatty acids
D) Water
E) All of these answers are correct

Question 59

Bile is formed in the ___________ and stored in the ___________.

A) stomach; pancreas
B) duodenum; kidney
C) liver; gallbladder
D) gallbladder; liver

Question 60

Functions of the large intestine include

A) housing bacterial flora that keep the GI tract healthy.
B) absorption of water and electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium.
C) the defecation of feces.
D) All of these responses are correct.

Question 61

Which of the following is NOT true about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

A) The most common types are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
B) It can cause inflammation and ulceration throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
C) IBD is caused by a reaction to proteins in foods.
D) Nutritional problems related to IBD include anemia, osteoporosis and poor growth (in children).

Question 62

Diarrhea is most often caused by bacterial or viral infection of the GI tract.

Question 63

Removal of the gallbladder prevents normal digestion and absorption of dietary fat.

Question 64

A main cause of intestinal gas formation is

A) a lack of bacteria in the large intestine.
B) the breakdown of undigested carbohydrates by bacteria in the large intestine.
C) insufficient bile production for fat digestion and absorption.
D) All of these choices are correct.

Question 65

Celiac disease is best treated by

A) medication prescribed by a physician.
B) a high-fiber diet.
C) a gluten-free diet.
D) an allergen-free diet.

Question 66

Carbohydrates that may contribute to intestinal gas formation include

A) lactose, fructose, and raffinose.
B) amylose, glucose, and starch.
C) sucrose, starch, and glucose.
D) amylose, glucose, and sucrose.

Question 67

Using mineral oil as a laxative can cause

A) colon cancer.
B) loss of water-soluble vitamins.
C) loss of fat-soluble vitamins
D) diverticulosis.

Question 68

A good way to treat mild constipation is to consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber each day.

Question 69

Factors associated with gallstone formation include

A) rapid weight loss.
B) high fiber intake.
C) being underweight.
D) None of these answers are correct.

Question 70

Swollen veins in the rectum or anus are called

A) hemorrhoids.
B) peptic ulcers.
C) heartburn.
D) irritable bowel syndrome.

Question 71

A sensible idea for preventing constipation is to

A) use a laxative when needed.
B) decrease fluid intake.
C) include more white bread, white rice, and ice cream in the diet.
D) include more whole grain breads, beans, and apples in the diet.

Question 72

Gluten is best described as

A) a protein found in wheat and related grains.
B) a carbohydrate found in wheat and related grains.
C) a substance found in wheat and related grains that causes irritable bowel disease.
D) a medication used to treat celiac disease.

Question 73

Most of the water in the gastrointestinal tract is absorbed in the small intestine.

Question 74

Which of the following digestive disorders is caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori?

A) flatulence
B) constipation
C) diarrhea
D) peptic ulcer

Question 75

The leading cause of peptic ulcer disease is

A) consumption of spicy foods.
B) stress.
C) Helicobacter pylori infection.
D) alcohol consumption.

Question 76

The glycocalyx of the small intestine consists of hair-like projections that cover the microvilli of the absorptive cells.

Question 77

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)is caused by bacterial pathogens.

Question 78

Gallstones are formed mainly from

A) pancreatic secretions.
B) cholesterol.
C) phospholipids.
D) minerals.

Question 79

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate recommendation for treatment of peptic ulcer disease?

A) Limit heavy use of aspirin and other NSAID medications.
B) Consume a bland diet with only easily digested foods.
C) Treat with an antibiotic under the care of a physician.
D) Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake.

Question 80

Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed directly into the cardiovascular system.