Complete Exam Guide Subject-wise practice platform
0 XP
Gastrointestinal and Nutrition Physiology

Digestive System Overview Practice Questions

59 free Digestive System Overview practice questions for the Physiology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.

Practice in Quiz Mode

Question 1 of 59 Medium

The primary function of the digestive system is to:

  1. A Regulate body temperature
  2. B Convert food into absorbable nutrients
  3. C Produce hormones for metabolism
  4. D Eliminate carbon dioxide

Correct answer: Convert food into absorbable nutrients

The digestive system breaks down food into simpler molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. This includes mechanical and chemical digestion.

Question 2 of 59 Medium

Which organ is responsible for both digestion and absorption of nutrients?

  1. A Stomach
  2. B Esophagus
  3. C Small intestine
  4. D Large intestine

Correct answer: Small intestine

The small intestine is the major site for digestion and absorption. Its large surface area facilitates efficient nutrient uptake.

Question 3 of 59 Medium

Which accessory organ secretes digestive enzymes into the gastrointestinal tract?

  1. A Liver
  2. B Gallbladder
  3. C Pancreas
  4. D Spleen

Correct answer: Pancreas

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and proteases. These enzymes enter the duodenum to aid digestion.

Question 4 of 59 Medium

Which structure connects the pharynx to the stomach?

  1. A Trachea
  2. B Esophagus
  3. C Duodenum
  4. D Jejunum

Correct answer: Esophagus

The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the pharynx to the stomach. It uses peristaltic movements.

Question 5 of 59 Medium

Which layer of the gastrointestinal tract is primarily responsible for peristalsis?

  1. A Mucosa
  2. B Submucosa
  3. C Muscularis externa
  4. D Serosa

Correct answer: Muscularis externa

The muscularis externa contains circular and longitudinal muscle layers. Their coordinated contraction produces peristalsis.

Question 6 of 59 Medium

Which function is primarily associated with the large intestine?

  1. A Protein digestion
  2. B Fat absorption
  3. C Water absorption
  4. D Enzyme secretion

Correct answer: Water absorption

The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes. This concentrates fecal matter before elimination.

Question 7 of 59 Medium

Which part of the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid?

  1. A Chief cells
  2. B Parietal cells
  3. C Mucous cells
  4. D G cells

Correct answer: Parietal cells

Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid. The acid aids protein digestion and kills ingested microbes.

Question 8 of 59 Medium

Which hormone stimulates gastric acid secretion?

  1. A Secretin
  2. B Cholecystokinin
  3. C Gastrin
  4. D Somatostatin

Correct answer: Gastrin

Gastrin stimulates secretion of gastric acid and increases gastric motility. It is released in response to food in the stomach.

Question 9 of 59 Medium

Which part of the small intestine receives bile and pancreatic secretions?

  1. A Jejunum
  2. B Ileum
  3. C Duodenum
  4. D Cecum

Correct answer: Duodenum

The duodenum receives bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas. This is crucial for chemical digestion.

Question 10 of 59 Medium

Which accessory organ stores and concentrates bile?

  1. A Liver
  2. B Pancreas
  3. C Gallbladder
  4. D Duodenum

Correct answer: Gallbladder

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. Bile is released during fat digestion.

Question 11 of 59 Medium

Which layer of the gastrointestinal tract contains blood vessels and nerves?

  1. A Mucosa
  2. B Submucosa
  3. C Muscularis externa
  4. D Serosa

Correct answer: Submucosa

The submucosa contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and the submucosal nerve plexus. It supports the mucosal layer.

Question 12 of 59 Medium

Which structure marks the beginning of the large intestine?

  1. A Jejunum
  2. B Ileum
  3. C Cecum
  4. D Rectum

Correct answer: Cecum

The cecum is the first part of the large intestine. It receives contents from the ileum.

Question 13 of 59 Medium

Which digestive process refers to the breakdown of food by enzymes?

  1. A Mechanical digestion
  2. B Chemical digestion
  3. C Absorption
  4. D Defecation

Correct answer: Chemical digestion

Chemical digestion involves enzymatic breakdown of macromolecules. This process prepares nutrients for absorption.

Question 14 of 59 Medium

Which nerve plexus primarily regulates gastrointestinal motility?

  1. A Submucosal plexus
  2. B Myenteric plexus
  3. C Celiac plexus
  4. D Hypogastric plexus

Correct answer: Myenteric plexus

The myenteric plexus controls smooth muscle contraction. It plays a major role in peristalsis.

Question 15 of 59 Medium

Which organ is mainly responsible for detoxification of absorbed substances?

  1. A Pancreas
  2. B Stomach
  3. C Liver
  4. D Spleen

Correct answer: Liver

The liver detoxifies drugs and toxins absorbed from the gut. It also metabolizes nutrients.

Question 16 of 59 Medium

Which process moves food along the gastrointestinal tract?

  1. A Segmentation
  2. B Diffusion
  3. C Peristalsis
  4. D Osmosis

Correct answer: Peristalsis

Peristalsis is a coordinated wave of muscle contraction. It propels food forward through the tract.

Question 17 of 59 Medium

Which region of the stomach primarily functions in mixing food?

  1. A Fundus
  2. B Cardia
  3. C Body
  4. D Antrum

Correct answer: Antrum

The antrum generates strong mixing contractions. These convert food into chyme.

Question 18 of 59 Medium

Which component of the digestive system is NOT part of the alimentary canal?

  1. A Esophagus
  2. B Stomach
  3. C Pancreas
  4. D Small intestine

Correct answer: Pancreas

The pancreas is an accessory digestive organ. It aids digestion but is not part of the alimentary canal.

Question 19 of 59 Medium

Which final process eliminates undigested material from the body?

  1. A Absorption
  2. B Assimilation
  3. C Defecation
  4. D Secretion

Correct answer: Defecation

Defecation expels indigestible and unabsorbed residues. This occurs through the rectum and anus.

Question 20 of 59 Medium

Which histological layer of the gastrointestinal tract wall contains the Meissner (submucosal) plexus and is responsible for regulating glandular secretions and local blood flow?

  1. A Mucosa
  2. B Submucosa
  3. C Muscularis externa
  4. D Serosa

Correct answer: Submucosa

The submucosa is a layer of dense irregular connective tissue that houses the submucosal plexus. This plexus primarily controls the secretory activities of mucosal glands and adjusts local blood flow to match the rate of nutrient absorption.

Question 21 of 59 Medium

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is often called the 'second brain.' Which component of the ENS is primarily located between the circular and longitudinal smooth muscle layers to coordinate motility?

  1. A Vagus nerve
  2. B Myenteric (Auerbach) plexus
  3. C Celiac ganglion
  4. D Hypogastric plexus

Correct answer: Myenteric (Auerbach) plexus

The myenteric plexus is situated between the two main muscle layers of the muscularis externa. It is the primary regulator of gastrointestinal motility, including the frequency and strength of peristaltic contractions.

Question 22 of 59 Medium

Which of the following gastrointestinal organs is considered 'retroperitoneal,' meaning it lies posterior to the peritoneal cavity?

  1. A Stomach
  2. B Transverse colon
  3. C Pancreas
  4. D Liver

Correct answer: Pancreas

While the stomach and liver are intraperitoneal, most of the pancreas (except the tail) is retroperitoneal. Other retroperitoneal structures include the kidneys, the ascending and descending colon, and most of the duodenum.

Question 23 of 59 Medium

In the esophagus, the composition of the muscularis externa changes from the superior to the inferior end. Which of the following best describes the muscle type in the middle third of the esophagus?

  1. A Purely skeletal muscle
  2. B Purely smooth muscle
  3. C A mixture of skeletal and smooth muscle
  4. D Cardiac muscle fibers

Correct answer: A mixture of skeletal and smooth muscle

The upper third of the esophagus is skeletal muscle (under voluntary control during swallowing), while the lower third is entirely smooth muscle. The middle third represents a transition zone containing both muscle types.

Question 24 of 59 Medium

Approximately 9 liters of fluid enter the gastrointestinal tract daily through ingestion and secretion. In which segment is the majority of this water reabsorbed into the blood?

  1. A Stomach
  2. B Small intestine
  3. C Large intestine
  4. D Rectum

Correct answer: Small intestine

Although the large intestine is critical for final fluid concentration, the small intestine reabsorbs about 7 to 7.5 liters of fluid per day. This occurs passively, following the osmotic gradient created by the active absorption of nutrients and electrolytes.

Question 25 of 59 Medium

The stomach is anatomically divided into several regions. Which part is the dome-shaped superior portion that primarily serves as a temporary storage area for food and gas?

  1. A Cardia
  2. B Fundus
  3. C Body
  4. D Antrum

Correct answer: Fundus

The fundus is the uppermost portion of the stomach, located superior to the esophageal opening. It expands to store undigested food and gases released during the chemical digestion process.

Question 26 of 59 Medium

What is the physiological significance of the 'alkaline tide' observed after a large meal?

  1. A An increased secretion of bicarbonate directly into the duodenal lumen after eating
  2. B Release of bicarbonate into the blood in exchange for chloride during HCl production
  3. C The breakdown of dietary proteins into basic amino acids within the acidic stomach lumen
  4. D A systemic decrease in blood pH resulting from heightened gastric secretory activity

Correct answer: Release of bicarbonate into the blood in exchange for chloride during HCl production

When parietal cells secrete $H^+$ into the stomach lumen, they transport $HCO_{3}^{-}$ across the basolateral membrane into the bloodstream. This efflux of bicarbonate causes a transient increase in the pH of the venous blood leaving the stomach.

Question 27 of 59 Medium

Which structural modification of the small intestine increases the surface area for absorption the most, providing a 'brush border' appearance under the microscope?

  1. A Plicae circulares
  2. B Villi
  3. C Microvilli
  4. D Haustra

Correct answer: Microvilli

Microvilli are tiny projections on the apical surface of individual enterocytes. While plicae and villi increase surface area significantly, the microvilli provide the largest increase (about 20-fold), totaling a surface area roughly the size of a tennis court.

Question 28 of 59 Medium

Peyer's patches are large collections of lymphoid tissue that provide an essential immune barrier. In which part of the alimentary canal are they most prominently located?

  1. A Duodenum
  2. B Jejunum
  3. C Ileum
  4. D Sigmoid colon

Correct answer: Ileum

Peyer's patches are a key component of the Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) and are most abundant in the distal ileum. They monitor bacterial populations in the gut and prevent the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria.

Question 29 of 59 Medium

The large intestine lacks the villi found in the small intestine but possesses unique longitudinal muscle bands. What are these three bands of muscle called?

  1. A Haustra
  2. B Teniae coli
  3. C Epiploic appendages
  4. D Rugae

Correct answer: Teniae coli

Teniae coli are three distinct bands of longitudinal smooth muscle that run the length of the colon. Their tonic contraction causes the wall of the colon to pucker into small pouches called haustra.

Question 30 of 59 Medium

Most nutrients absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract must pass through the liver before entering the general circulation. Which vessel carries this nutrient-rich blood to the liver?

  1. A Hepatic artery
  2. B Hepatic vein
  3. C Hepatic portal vein
  4. D Inferior vena cava

Correct answer: Hepatic portal vein

The hepatic portal vein collects blood from the capillaries of the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and spleen. This ensures that the liver can process, detoxify, and store nutrients before the blood reaches the rest of the body.

Question 31 of 59 Medium

What is the primary function of the 'M cells' located in the epithelium overlying Peyer's patches?

  1. A Secretion of protective mucus onto the intestinal epithelial surface layer
  2. B Absorption of digested dietary fats into the intestinal lacteals
  3. C Sampling of luminal antigens for presentation to underlying immune cells
  4. D Production of hydrochloric acid to acidify the intestinal gut lumen

Correct answer: Sampling of luminal antigens for presentation to underlying immune cells

M (microfold) cells are specialized for transcytosis, transporting antigens from the gut lumen across the epithelial barrier to the underlying lymphoid tissue. This allows the immune system to 'sample' the contents of the gut and initiate appropriate responses.

Question 32 of 59 Medium

The 'cephalic phase' of gastric secretion is triggered by the sight, smell, or thought of food. Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting these parasympathetic signals to the stomach?

  1. A Glossopharyngeal (IX)
  2. B Vagus (X)
  3. C Facial (VII)
  4. D Trigeminal (V)

Correct answer: Vagus (X)

The Vagus nerve provides the primary parasympathetic innervation to the upper gastrointestinal tract. During the cephalic phase, vagal stimulation increases the activity of parietal and chief cells before food even reaches the stomach.

Question 33 of 59 Medium

Which of the following describes a 'short reflex' in the regulation of the digestive system?

  1. A A reflex mediated entirely within the enteric nervous system of the gut wall
  2. B A reflex involving the spinal cord and the sympathetic trunk ganglia outside the gut
  3. C A reflex initiated and coordinated by the central nervous system
  4. D A reflex whose signals travel through the vagus nerve to the brainstem

Correct answer: A reflex mediated entirely within the enteric nervous system of the gut wall

Short reflexes are local enteric reflexes where the sensory input and motor output occur entirely within the gut wall without involving the CNS. Long reflexes, by contrast, involve autonomic nerves and the brain or spinal cord.

Question 34 of 59 Medium

Where are the 'Stem Cells' of the small intestine located, which are responsible for the constant renewal of the epithelial lining every 3 to 5 days?

  1. A At the tips of the villi
  2. B In the submucosal glands
  3. C In the Crypts of Lieberkühn
  4. D Within the Peyer's patches

Correct answer: In the Crypts of Lieberkühn

Intestinal stem cells reside in the base of the intestinal crypts (Crypts of Lieberkühn). As they divide, new cells migrate upward toward the villus tips, differentiating into enterocytes, goblet cells, and endocrine cells along the way.

Question 35 of 59 Medium

The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions. Which histological structures are responsible for producing the digestive enzymes found in pancreatic juice?

  1. A Islets of Langerhans
  2. B Acinar cells
  3. C Ductal cells
  4. D Kupffer cells

Correct answer: Acinar cells

Acinar cells are the exocrine units of the pancreas that synthesize and secrete digestive enzymes. The ductal cells primarily secrete bicarbonate, while the Islets of Langerhans perform the endocrine function of secreting insulin and glucagon.

Question 36 of 59 Medium

Which valve or sphincter controls the passage of chyme from the small intestine into the large intestine and prevents backflow of fecal material?

  1. A Pyloric sphincter
  2. B Lower esophageal sphincter
  3. C Ileocecal valve
  4. D Sphincter of Oddi

Correct answer: Ileocecal valve

The ileocecal valve is located at the junction of the ileum and the cecum. It remains constricted to slow the exit of chyme from the ileum and opens in response to the gastroileal reflex initiated by stomach distension.

Question 37 of 59 Medium

Saliva contains several components essential for oral health and digestion. Which enzyme in saliva provides a protective function by lysing the cell walls of certain bacteria?

  1. A Salivary amylase
  2. B Lingual lipase
  3. C Lysozyme
  4. D Mucin

Correct answer: Lysozyme

Lysozyme is an antibacterial enzyme that breaks down bacterial cell walls. Along with Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and thiocyanate ions, it helps control the microbial population in the oral cavity.

Question 38 of 59 Medium

The peritoneum is a serous membrane with two layers. What is the name of the fold of peritoneum that hangs like an 'apron' from the greater curvature of the stomach and covers the small intestine?

  1. A Mesentery proper
  2. B Lesser omentum
  3. C Greater omentum
  4. D Falciform ligament

Correct answer: Greater omentum

The greater omentum is a large, four-layered fold of visceral peritoneum. It contains significant fat deposits and lymph nodes, serving both as an energy store and as a barrier to isolate and 'police' sites of intraperitoneal infection.

Question 39 of 59 Medium

Which of the following correctly describes 'Mechanical Digestion'?

  1. A The use of enzymes to break covalent bonds in food
  2. B The transport of nutrients across the intestinal epithelium
  3. C Physical processes like chewing and segmentation that increase surface area for enzymes
  4. D The synthesis of bile in the liver for fat emulsification

Correct answer: Physical processes like chewing and segmentation that increase surface area for enzymes

Mechanical digestion involves physical movements—mastication in the mouth, churning in the stomach, and segmentation in the small intestine. This process physically breaks food into smaller pieces without altering its chemical structure, making chemical digestion by enzymes more efficient.

Question 40 of 59 Medium

Which histological layer of the alimentary canal is responsible for providing the structural integrity and contains the major blood and lymphatic vessels for nutrient transport?

  1. A Submucosa
  2. B Mucosa
  3. C Muscularis externa
  4. D Serosa

Correct answer: Submucosa

The submucosa is a thick layer of connective tissue that houses larger blood vessels, lymphatics, and the submucosal (Meissner) plexus.

Question 41 of 59 Medium

The 'Migrating Motor Complex' (MMC) is a pattern of electromechanical activity that clears the stomach and small intestine of debris between meals. Which hormone is the primary regulator of the MMC?

  1. A Gastrin
  2. B Secretin
  3. C Cholecystokinin
  4. D Motilin

Correct answer: Motilin

Motilin is secreted by M cells in the duodenal mucosa during the fasting state to initiate the MMC waves.

Question 42 of 59 Medium

What is the primary function of the Mesentery in the abdominal cavity?

  1. A To provide a route for blood vessels and hold organs in place
  2. B To secrete digestive enzymes directly into the intestinal lumen
  3. C To act as the primary site for fat emulsification
  4. D To prevent the stomach from over-expanding during meals

Correct answer: To provide a route for blood vessels and hold organs in place

The mesentery is a double layer of peritoneum that supports the intestines and provides a conduit for nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics.

Question 43 of 59 Medium

The 'Enteric Nervous System' can function independently of the central nervous system. Which plexus is primarily responsible for controlling the 'gastrointestinal secretomotor' response?

  1. A Submucosal (Meissner) plexus
  2. B Myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus
  3. C Celiac plexus
  4. D Hypogastric plexus

Correct answer: Submucosal (Meissner) plexus

The submucosal plexus primarily regulates glandular secretion and local blood flow within the gut wall.

Question 44 of 59 Medium

Which of the following is an example of a 'Long Reflex' in gastrointestinal regulation?

  1. A The sight of food triggering salivary and gastric secretions
  2. B Distension of the rectum causing local reflex muscle contraction
  3. C Acid in the duodenum inhibiting local gastric emptying
  4. D Local presence of amino acids stimulating gastrin release

Correct answer: The sight of food triggering salivary and gastric secretions

Long reflexes involve sensory input sent to the CNS and autonomic output sent back to the GI tract, such as the cephalic phase of digestion.

Question 45 of 59 Medium

The 'Interstitial Cells of Cajal' (ICC) are physiologically significant because they:

  1. A Act as pacemakers for gastrointestinal slow waves
  2. B Secrete hydrochloric acid into the stomach lumen
  3. C Absorb fat-soluble vitamins in the terminal ileum
  4. D Produce and secrete bile salts in the liver

Correct answer: Act as pacemakers for gastrointestinal slow waves

ICCs generate the slow-wave electrical activity that coordinates the rhythmic contractions (peristalsis and segmentation) of the GI smooth muscle.

Question 46 of 59 Medium

Which anatomical structure separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and is pierced by the esophagus?

  1. A Pylorus
  2. B Upper esophageal sphincter
  3. C Diaphragm
  4. D Visceral peritoneum

Correct answer: Diaphragm

The esophagus passes through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm to reach the stomach.

Question 47 of 59 Medium

In the mouth, which salivary gland produces a secretion that is primarily serous and contains high concentrations of salivary amylase?

  1. A Parotid gland
  2. B Submandibular gland
  3. C Sublingual gland
  4. D Buccal gland

Correct answer: Parotid gland

The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands and produce a watery (serous) secretion rich in amylase.

Question 48 of 59 Medium

What is the functional purpose of 'Segmentation' in the small intestine?

  1. A To move food rapidly toward the large intestine
  2. B To mix chyme with digestive juices and increase contact with the mucosa
  3. C To prevent the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus during digestion
  4. D To store undigested material until defecation

Correct answer: To mix chyme with digestive juices and increase contact with the mucosa

Segmentation involves localized rhythmic contractions that mix food and slow its transit to maximize absorption time.

Question 49 of 59 Medium

The 'Enteroendocrine' cells of the gastrointestinal tract are unique because they:

  1. A Secrete their products into the lumen of the gut
  2. B Are found only in the pancreas
  3. C Secrete hormones into the interstitial fluid and bloodstream
  4. D Are solely responsible for the mechanical breakdown of ingested food particles

Correct answer: Secrete hormones into the interstitial fluid and bloodstream

Enteroendocrine cells are scattered throughout the GI epithelium and release hormones like gastrin, CCK, and secretin into the blood.

Question 50 of 59 Medium

Which part of the pharynx serves exclusively as an air passageway, never carrying food?

  1. A Nasopharynx
  2. B Oropharynx
  3. C Laryngopharynx
  4. D Trachea

Correct answer: Nasopharynx

The nasopharynx lies above the soft palate and connects only to the nasal cavity, so it carries air exclusively. The oropharynx and laryngopharynx are shared passageways for both food and air, while the trachea is an air-only conduit located below the larynx and is not actually part of the pharynx.

Question 51 of 59 Medium

The 'Gastrocolic Reflex' is an example of a coordinated motility pattern where:

  1. A The stomach slows down when the colon is full
  2. B Food in the stomach triggers mass movements in the colon
  3. C Acid entering the duodenum causes the stomach to begin churning much faster
  4. D Swallowing triggers the relaxation of the rectum

Correct answer: Food in the stomach triggers mass movements in the colon

The gastrocolic reflex is a long reflex that increases colonic motility following a meal to make room for new food.

Question 52 of 59 Medium

Which of the following describes 'Deglutition'?

  1. A The process of chewing food
  2. B The process of swallowing food
  3. C The process of nutrient absorption
  4. D The process of vomiting

Correct answer: The process of swallowing food

Deglutition is the physiological term for swallowing, involving both voluntary and involuntary phases.

Question 53 of 59 Medium

What is the primary role of the 'Lacteals' found in the villi of the small intestine?

  1. A Absorption of dietary glucose, amino acids, and water-soluble vitamins
  2. B Absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins
  3. C Secretion of intestinal juice
  4. D Production of red blood cells

Correct answer: Absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins

Lacteals are specialized lymphatic capillaries that absorb chylomicrons (large fat particles) that are too big for blood capillaries.

Question 54 of 59 Medium

Which protective mechanism prevents the acidic gastric juice from damaging the stomach wall?

  1. A The secretion of pepsinogen
  2. B The mucosal barrier including a thick layer of alkaline mucus
  3. C The rapid transit of food through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum
  4. D The presence of vitamin B12

Correct answer: The mucosal barrier including a thick layer of alkaline mucus

The stomach is protected by a bicarbonate-rich mucus layer and tight junctions between epithelial cells.

Question 55 of 59 Medium

The 'Haustra' of the large intestine are formed primarily due to the tone of the:

  1. A Circular muscle layer
  2. B The teniae coli bands
  3. C Internal anal sphincter
  4. D Epiploic appendages

Correct answer: The teniae coli bands

The teniae coli are three bands of longitudinal muscle; because they are shorter than the colon itself, they cause the wall to pucker into pouches called haustra.

Question 56 of 59 Medium

Which organ is considered an 'Accessory Organ' of the digestive system because food never actually passes through it?

  1. A Esophagus
  2. B Ileum
  3. C Liver
  4. D Cecum

Correct answer: Liver

The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are accessory organs that provide secretions but are not part of the continuous alimentary canal.

Question 57 of 59 Medium

During the 'Intestinal Phase' of gastric regulation, the 'Enterogastric Reflex' serves to:

  1. A Stimulate the stomach to produce significantly more gastric acid
  2. B Trigger the release of saliva
  3. C Cause the gallbladder to contract
  4. D Inhibit gastric secretory activity and slow gastric emptying

Correct answer: Inhibit gastric secretory activity and slow gastric emptying

The enterogastric reflex prevents the duodenum from being overwhelmed by too much acidic chyme at once by inhibiting the stomach.

Question 58 of 59 Medium

What is the major physiological function of the gallbladder?

  1. A Synthesis of bile from cholesterol
  2. B Production of digestive enzymes
  3. C Absorption of vitamin K
  4. D Storage and concentration of bile

Correct answer: Storage and concentration of bile

The liver synthesizes bile, but the gallbladder stores it and removes water to concentrate it between meals.

Question 59 of 59 Medium

Which sphincter prevents the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus?

  1. A Pyloric sphincter
  2. B Ileocecal valve
  3. C Hepatopancreatic sphincter
  4. D Lower esophageal sphincter

Correct answer: Lower esophageal sphincter

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) remains constricted to prevent gastroesophageal reflux.

0 / 59 answered