Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
Chapter 15
The Digestion and Absorption of Food
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Gastrointestinal function depends upon each of the following processes except
A. Digestion
B. Filtration
C. Secretion
D. Motility
E. Absorption
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
2. The most important function of saliva is to
A. Moisten and lubricate food for swallowing
B. Digest starch
C. Enhance the sense of taste
D. Kill bacteria
E. Humidify the sinuses and pharynx
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
3. The functions of the stomach include
A. The complete digestion of protein
B. Dissolving all the food that enters it
C. Killing bacteria
D. Storing partially digested food
E. Killing bacteria and storing partially digested food
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
15-1
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
4. In the small intestine,
A. Acidic chyme is neutralized
B. Mineral ions are actively absorbed
C. Fatty acids are actively absorbed
D. Both acidic chyme is neutralized and mineral ions are actively absorbed occur
E. Both acidic chyme is neutralized and fatty acids are actively absorbed occur
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
5. The enzyme that breaks down starch to short chains is secreted by
A. The salivary glands
B. Pancreatic exocrine cells
C. Pancreatic duct cells
D. The salivary glands and pancreatic exocrine cells
E. The salivary glands and pancreatic duct cells
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
6. Which of the following statements regarding digestion and absorption of carbohydrates is
true?
A. Carbohydrate digestion begins in the stomach
B. Lactose intolerance results from amylase insufficiency
C. Digestible polysaccharides are broken down to maltose and then to glucose
D. Sucrose is absorbed by active transport across the intestinal epithelium
E. All of the choices are true
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
15-2
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
7. The source of enzymes that cleave disaccharides into monosaccharides is
A. The pancreas
B. The liver
C. Gastric secretory cells
D. Cells lining the mucosa of the small intestine
E. Salivary glands
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
8. Which of the following molecules crosses the luminal membrane of intestinal cells by
facilitated diffusion?
A. Glucose
B. Lactose
C. Fructose
D. Both glucose and lactose are correct
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
9. Which of the following enzymes is most active at an acid pH?
A. Amylase
B. Lipase
C. Trypsin
D. Pepsin
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
15-3
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
10. Which of the following statements regarding protein digestion and absorption is true?
A. Only the stomach and exocrine pancreas produce enzymes that digest protein
B. The products of protein digestion are carried by blood directly to the liver
C. Pepsin digests protein in the small intestine
D. The enzymes that digest protein are secreted in active form
E. Only free amino acids are absorbed across the intestinal epithelium
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
11. Which of the following statements is true regarding the emulsification of fats?
A. Fat emulsification requires pancreatic lipase
B. Fat emulsification requires secretion of bile salts and phospholipids by the liver
C. Fat emulsification results in the formation of small fat droplets
D. Both fat emulsification requires pancreatic lipase and fat emulsification requires secretion
of bile salts and phospholipids by the liver are correct
E. Both fat emulsification requires secretion of bile salts and phospholipids by the liver and
fat emulsification results in the formation of small fat droplets are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
12. Lipase
A. Catalyzes the breakdown of triacylglycerol to glycerol and three fatty acids
B. Emulsifies lipids
C. Is secreted by the endocrine pancreas
D. Both catalyzes the breakdown of triacylglycerol to glycerol and three fatty acids and
emulsifies lipids are correct
E. None of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
15-4
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
13. Which of the following statements about the transport of the absorbed products of fat
digestion is true?
A. Free fatty acids and monoglycerides are transported to the liver via the hepatic portal vein
B. Products of fat digestion first go to the lymph system, and then to the veins leading to the
heart
C. Triacylglycerols are transported to the liver via the hepatic portal vein to be processed
D. Free fatty acids and monoglycerides are transported through the lymph in lipoproteins
called chylomicrons
E. None of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
14. Fat-soluble vitamins
A. Must be digested to fatty acids and monoglyceride
B. Include vitamins A, B12, and D
C. Circulate in chylomicrons
D. Both must be digested to fatty acids and monoglyceride and include vitamins A, B12, and
D are correct
E. Both include vitamins A, B12, and D and circulate in chylomicrons are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
15. Intrinsic factor
A. Is necessary for digestion of vitamin B12
B. Is secreted by parietal cells in the gastric mucosa
C. Deficiency is associated with anemia
D. Both is necessary for digestion of vitamin B12 and is secreted by parietal cells in the
gastric mucosa are correct
E. Both is secreted by parietal cells in the gastric mucosa and deficiency is associated with
anemia are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
15-5
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
16. The absorption of iron
A. Is active
B. Is generally 100 percent of the amount ingested
C. Results in storage as ferritin in intestinal epithelial cells
D. Both is active and is generally 100 percent of the amount ingested are correct
E. Both is active and results in storage as ferritin in intestinal epithelial cells are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
17. Receptors for digestive reflexes
A. Are located in the gastrointestinal tract wall
B. Include chemoreceptors, osmoreceptors, and mechanoreceptors
C. May relay information to integrative centers in the CNS or the enteric plexuses
D. May be endocrine cells
E. Are all of these choices
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
18. Which of the following statements about neural control of digestion is not true?
A. Parasympathetic stimulation is excitatory to digestion
B. Sympathetic stimulation is generally inhibitory to digestion
C. Local nerve networks (nerve plexuses) stimulate digestive functions
D. Under normal circumstances, nerve plexuses regulate digestion without input from the
autonomic nervous system
E. None of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-6
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
19. Which of the following statements regarding neural regulation of gastrointestinal function
is true?
A. Networks of nerve cells in the wall of the GI tract innervate the wall's smooth muscle
B. Smooth muscle of the GI tract is innervated by both sympathetic and motor nerves
C. If the autonomic nerves to the GI tract were cut, digestion and absorption of food could no
longer take place
D. Both networks of nerve cells in the wall of the GI tract innervate the wall's smooth muscle
and smooth muscle of the GI tract is innervated by both sympathetic and motor nerves are
correct
E. Both networks of nerve cells in the wall of the GI tract innervate the wall's smooth muscle
and if the autonomic nerves to the GI tract were cut, digestion and absorption of food could
no longer take place are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.02
Topic: Digestive System
20. Which of the following statements regarding hormonal regulation of gastrointestinal
function is true?
A. The presence of hydrogen ion in the small intestine stimulates secretion of secretin, which
in turn stimulates bicarbonate secretion by the pancreas
B. The presence of fatty acids in the small intestine stimulates secretion of CCK, which in
turn stimulates enzyme secretion by the pancreas
C. The presence of amino acids in the small intestine stimulates secretion of gastrin, which in
turn stimulates HCl secretion by parietal cells
D. Both the presence of hydrogen ion in the small intestine stimulates secretion of secretin,
which in turn stimulates bicarbonate secretion by the pancreas and the presence of fatty acids
in the small intestine stimulates secretion of CCK, which in turn stimulates enzyme secretion
by the pancreas are true
E. All of the choices are true
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-7
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
21. Regarding endocrine regulation of gastrointestinal processes,
A. The hormone secreted by the stomach is secretin
B. CCK is the primary efferent pathway for a reflex arc controlling the levels of acid in the
small intestine
C. Gastrin secretion is controlled in part by parasympathetic nerves
D. Both the hormone secreted by the stomach is secretin and CCK is the primary efferent
pathway for a reflex arc controlling the levels of acid in the small intestine are correct
E. Both CCK is the primary efferent pathway for a reflex arc controlling the levels of acid in
the small intestine and gastrin secretion is controlled in part by parasympathetic nerves are
correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
22. Which of the following statements about gastrin is true?
A. It is a hormone that is secreted by cells in the epithelium of the duodenum
B. It is an enzyme that is secreted into the lumen of the stomach
C. It is a hormone that is secreted in response to sympathetic stimulation
D. It is an enzyme that breaks down proteins
E. It is a hormone that is secreted in response to the presence of peptides in the stomach
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
23. Cholecystokinin
A. Relaxes the sphincter of Oddi
B. Stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion
C. Stimulates gallbladder contraction
D. Both stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion and stimulates gallbladder contraction are
correct
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-8
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
24. Which of the following statements concerning secretin is correct?
A. The most potent stimulus for secretin secretion is the presence of fat in the duodenum
B. Secretin is the most potent stimulus for pancreatic enzyme secretion
C. Secretin is the most potent stimulus for pancreatic bicarbonate secretion
D. Secretin stimulates secretion by the parietal and chief cells
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
25. Which of the following statements regarding lipid digestion and absorption is true?
A. The presence of fatty acids in the duodenum stimulates the secretion of CCK, which in
turn stimulates secretion of pancreatic enzymes
B. The presence of fatty acids in the duodenum stimulates the secretion of CCK, which in turn
stimulates contraction of the gallbladder
C. The presence of fatty acids in the duodenum stimulates the secretion of CCK, which in turn
stimulates bile synthesis in the gallbladder
D. Both the presence of fatty acids in the duodenum stimulates the secretion of CCK, which
in turn stimulates secretion of pancreatic enzymes and the presence of fatty acids in the
duodenum stimulates the secretion of CCK, which in turn stimulates contraction of the
gallbladder are true
E. Both the presence of fatty acids in the duodenum stimulates the secretion of CCK, which in
turn stimulates secretion of pancreatic enzymes and the presence of fatty acids in the
duodenum stimulates the secretion of CCK, which in turn stimulates bile synthesis in the
gallbladder are true
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-9
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
26. Regarding the three phases of gastrointestinal control:
A. They refer to the places in the GI tract where digestion or absorption is occurring
B. They refer to the locations of receptors for stimuli that trigger hormonal or neural control
mechanisms for GI processes
C. The presence of acid in the small intestine is one stimulus for the intestinal phase of GI
control
D. Both they refer to the places in the GI tract where digestion or absorption is occurring and
the presence of acid in the small intestine is one stimulus for the intestinal phase of GI control
are correct
E. Both they refer to the locations of receptors for stimuli that trigger hormonal or neural
control mechanisms for GI processes and the presence of acid in the small intestine is one
stimulus for the intestinal phase of GI control are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
27. Which of the following occurs during the cephalic phase of gastrointestinal control?
A. Secretion of saliva
B. Secretion of gastric acid
C. Secretion of secretin
D. Both secretion of saliva and secretion of gastric acid occur
E. All of these things occur
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
28. During the cephalic phase of gastric stimulation, all of the following occur except,
A. Seeing, smelling, and/or tasting food reflexly increase(s) gastric acid secretion
B. Parasympathetic stimulation of secretory cells in the gastric mucosa occurs
C. Gastrin is secreted into the gastric lumen
D. HCl is secreted into the gastric lumen
E. Pepsinogen is secreted into the gastric lumen
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-10
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
29. Which of the following is not a part of the swallowing reflex?
A. Respiration is inhibited
B. The glottis closes
C. The upper esophageal sphincter relaxes
D. The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes
E. The pyloric sphincter relaxes
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
30. The type of smooth muscle contraction that is necessary for swallowing is called
A. Peristalsis
B. Mass movement
C. Segmentation
D. Distension
E. Lengthening
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
31. Regurgitation of food from the stomach into the esophagus
A. Is ordinarily inhibited by the upper esophageal sphincter
B. Causes irritation of the esophageal mucosa
C. Causes heartburn
D. Both causes irritation of the esophageal mucosa and causes heartburn are correct
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-11
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
32. The parietal cells of the gastric mucosa secrete
A. HCl
B. Pepsinogen
C. Intrinsic factor
D. HCl and pepsinogen
E. HCl and intrinsic factor
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
33. Which of the following is secreted by the chief cells of the gastric mucosa?
A. Pepsinogen
B. HCl
C. Intrinsic factor
D. Gastrin
E. Pepsin
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
34. Hydrochloric acid
A. Is secreted by chief cells in the antrum of the stomach
B. Secretion into the stomach lumen is stimulated by histamine
C. Secretion into the stomach lumen is stimulated by gastrin
D. Both is secreted by chief cells in the antrum of the stomach and secretion into the stomach
lumen is stimulated by histamine are correct
E. Both secretion into the stomach lumen is stimulated by histamine and secretion into the
stomach lumen is stimulated by gastrin are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-12
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
35. Hydrochloric acid
A. Secretion in the stomach is accompanied by bicarbonate secretion into the blood
B. In the stomach activates trypsinogen
C. Secretion in the stomach is stimulated by the smell of food
D. Both secretion in the stomach is accompanied by bicarbonate secretion into the blood and
in the stomach activates trypsinogen are correct
E. Both secretion in the stomach is accompanied by bicarbonate secretion into the blood and
secretion in the stomach is stimulated by the smell of food are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
36. Regarding the secretion of HCl in the stomach,
A. Hydrogen ion is actively transported into the gastric lumen by ATPase pumps in the
mucosal membrane
B. Hydrogen ion is actively transported into the lumen by secondary active transporters
coupled to K ion
C. The pH of the blood leaving the area of the parietal cells is lower than normal
D. Both hydrogen ion is actively transported into the gastric lumen by ATPase pumps in the
mucosal membrane and the pH of the blood leaving the area of the parietal cells is lower than
normal are correct
E. Both hydrogen ion is actively transported into the lumen by secondary active transporters
coupled to K ion and the pH of the blood leaving the area of the parietal cells is lower than
normal are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-13
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
37. During the contractions of gastric emptying
A. The stomach is induced to contract by increased sympathetic activity
B. The pyloric sphincter opens to allow stomach contents to pass quickly and completely into
the duodenum
C. The pyloric sphincter closes to allow only a small amount of liquefied chyme to pass into
the duodenum at each contraction of the stomach
D. Both the stomach is induced to contract by increased sympathetic activity and the pyloric
sphincter opens to allow stomach contents to pass quickly and completely into the duodenum
are correct
E. Both the stomach is induced to contract by increased sympathetic activity and the pyloric
sphincter closes to allow only a small amount of liquefied chyme to pass into the duodenum at
each contraction of the stomach are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
38. Which of the following is the most potent inhibitor (directly or indirectly) of gastric
motility and emptying?
A. Fat in the duodenum
B. Acid in the stomach
C. Carbohydrate in the stomach
D. Gastrin
E. Distension of the stomach
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
39. Which of the following breakfasts would remain in the stomach longest?
A. Toast, orange juice, and coffee
B. Fried eggs, bacon, and hash browns
C. A bowl of cereal with skim milk
D. A boiled egg, toast, and juice
E. The type of meal one consumes does not affect the rate of gastric emptying
Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-14
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
15-15
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
40. Regarding motility in the GI tract,
A. Food is propelled along the tract by waves of smooth-muscle contraction and relaxation
called peristalsis
B. During a meal, intestinal motility functions primarily to mix chyme and bring it into
contact with the gastric mucosa
C. The rate of gastric emptying is controlled by hormones and by autonomic nerves
D. Both food is propelled along the tract by waves of smooth-muscle contraction and
relaxation called peristalsis and during a meal, intestinal motility functions primarily to mix
chyme and bring it into contact with the gastric mucosa are correct
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
41. The primary kind of motility in the stomach during digestion of a meal is
A. Peristalsis
B. Segmentation
C. Relaxation of the pyloric sphincter
D. Mass movement
E. Regurgitation
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-16
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
42. With regard to gastric motility,
A. The basic electrical rhythm of the gastric smooth muscle (three depolarizations per minute)
is the same regardless of whether or not food is present
B. Gastric smooth muscle contracts three times a minute regardless of whether or not food is
present
C. The force of contraction is increased by gastrin and inhibited by enterogastrones
D. Both the basic electrical rhythm of the gastric smooth muscle (three depolarizations per
minute) is the same regardless of whether or not food is present and gastric smooth muscle
contracts three times a minute regardless of whether or not food is present are correct
E. Both the basic electrical rhythm of the gastric smooth muscle (three depolarizations per
minute) is the same regardless of whether or not food is present and the force of contraction is
increased by gastrin and inhibited by enterogastrones are correct
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
43. Bicarbonate is produced by
A. Parietal cells of the stomach
B. Pancreatic duct cells
C. Kidney tubule epithelial cells
D. Pancreatic duct cells and kidney tubule epithelial cells
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
44. Which of the following is not secreted by the exocrine pancreas?
A. Bicarbonate ions
B. Amylase
C. Bile salts
D. Trypsinogen
E. Lipase
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-17
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
45. Which of the following statements about pancreatic enzymes is not correct?
A. Trypsinogen is secreted in an inactive form
B. Pancreatic amylase digests carbohydrates
C. Pancreatic lipase digests fats
D. Except for trypsinogen, other proteolytic enzymes are secreted in active form
E. Trypsinogen is activated by enterokinase
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
46. A person who lacks the exocrine portion of the pancreas would be unable to
A. Digest fats
B. Digest protein
C. Digest carbohydrate
D. Emulsify fats
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
47. Which of the following statements regarding protein digestion and absorption is true?
A. Cells in the stomach secrete pepsin, which breaks down proteins into smaller peptides
B. Pepsin and trypsin are proteolytic enzymes that are most active in an acid pH
C. More acid is secreted during the digestion of a high-protein meal than during the digestion
of a meal containing little protein
D. The presence of peptides in the stomach inhibits secretion of gastrin
E. None of the choices are true
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-18
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
48. Bile is synthesized and secreted by the
A. Gallbladder
B. Gastric mucosa
C. Pancreas
D. Duodenum
E. Liver
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
49. A person without a gallbladder
A. Cannot secrete bile
B. Cannot store bile
C. Will have difficulty digesting a large, fat-rich meal
D. Both cannot store bile and will have difficulty digesting a large, fat-rich meal are correct
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
50. Bile pigments
A. Are important for fat digestion
B. Are formed from catabolism of the globin part of hemoglobin
C. Impart color to the bile, feces, and urine
D. Both are important for fat digestion and are formed from catabolism of the globin part of
hemoglobin are correct
E. Both are formed from catabolism of the globin part of hemoglobin and impart color to the
bile, feces, and urine are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-19
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
51. Peristaltic contractions occur in
A. The small intestine
B. The large intestine
C. The stomach
D. The esophagus
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
52. The primary kind of motility in the small intestine during digestion of a meal is
A. Peristalsis
B. Segmentation
C. Relaxation of the pyloric sphincter
D. Migrating motility complex
E. Mass movement
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
53. Regarding the motility of the small intestine,
A. It varies depending upon whether a meal is being digested and absorbed
B. During a meal, intestinal motility functions primarily to mix chyme and bring it into
contact with intestinal mucosa
C. Segmentation is the primary means of propelling unabsorbed matter toward the large
intestine
D. Both it varies depending upon whether a meal is being digested and absorbed and during a
meal, intestinal motility functions primarily to mix chyme and bring it into contact with
intestinal mucosa are correct
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-20
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
54. Ulcers are
A. Most common in the gastric mucosa
B. Always caused by hypersecretion of gastric acid
C. Treated by methods that inhibit acid secretion
D. Both most common in the gastric mucosa and always caused by hypersecretion of gastric
acid are correct
E. Both always caused by hypersecretion of gastric acid and treated by methods that inhibit
acid secretion are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
55. Which of the following is not true about gallstones? Gallstones
A. Are crystallized bile salts
B. May cause pain
C. May cause impaired fat digestion
D. May cause general nutritional deficiencies
E. May cause jaundice
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
56. Which of the following would be most likely to cause metabolic alkalosis?
A. Severe vomiting
B. Severe diarrhea
C. Hyperventilation
D. Strenuous exercise
E. Hypoventilation
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
15-21
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
57. Which of the following would be most likely to cause metabolic acidosis?
A. Severe vomiting
B. Severe diarrhea
C. Hyperventilation
D. Hypoventilation
E. None of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
58. Lactose intolerance
A. Is an inability to digest milk sugar
B. Is most common in very young children
C. Can cause painful bloating and diarrhea
D. Both is an inability to digest milk sugar and is most common in very young children are
correct
E. Both is an inability to digest milk sugar and can cause painful bloating and diarrhea are
correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
59. Constipation
A. Is associated with symptoms caused by accumulation of toxins in the stool
B. Is caused by failure to defecate at least once a day
C. May be relieved by ingestion of foods with a high proportion of indigestible carbohydrates
D. Both is associated with symptoms caused by accumulation of toxins in the stool and is
caused by failure to defecate at least once a day are correct
E. Both is caused by failure to defecate at least once a day and may be relieved by ingestion
of foods with a high proportion of indigestible carbohydrates are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
15-22
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
60. Ulcerative lesions along the gastrointestinal tract are more common in the ________
because _______ bacterial infections contribute to a breakdown of normal protective
mechanisms native to this region.
A. Large intestine, E. Coli
B. Small intestine, C. Difficile
C. Pancreas, S. aureus
D. Stomach, H. pylori
E. Liver, S. pyogenes
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
61. Lactase enzyme
A. Is involved directly in the digestion of proteins
B. Is necessary for the breakdown of milk fats
C. Is embedded in the luminal plasma membranes of intestinal epithelial cells
D. Promotes the formation of and storage of bile by the gallbladder
E. Is overproduced and released by secretory cells in the small intestine in the condition
known as lactose intolerance
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
62. Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by all of the following, except:
A. Bleeding, edema, and ulceration anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract
B. Diarrhea and excessively loose and watery stools
C. Perforations in the mucosa and intestinal wall leading to infection by bacteria which are
normally present and benign
D. Can cause inflammation and thickening of the bowel wall to the point of preventing the
usual passage of feces
E. Pain in the lower right abdomen frequently mistaken for appendicitis
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
15-23
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
63. The exact causes of inflammatory bowel diseases continue to be explored, but it is
relatively clear that
A. The condition is quite common among people of all ages and subgroups within the
population
B. Inflammatory bowel disease is likely to be passed on through genetic inheritance
C. Individuals suffering from its effects are largely experiencing the consequences of the
complete failure of normal immune mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract
D. It can be easily diagnosed since its symptoms are always very specific and the affected
areas are always limited to a very focused area within the small intestine
E. By careful examination of one's diet is relatively easy to recommend the elimination of
certain foods and the addition of others to provide immediate relief without the need to
administer specific drug therapy
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
True / False Questions
64. The lumen of the gastrointestinal tract is continuous with the external environment.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
65. The liver and pancreas are components of the gastrointestinal tract.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
15-24
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
66. The pH of the contents of the stomach lumen is considerably higher than that of interstitial
fluid.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
67. The volume of fluids secreted by the gastrointestinal tract in a day is far greater than the
volume of food and drink ingested.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.01
Topic: Digestive System
68. Glucose absorption occurs by active transport.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
69. Polysaccharides must be broken down to disaccharides in order to be absorbed.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
70. The products of lipid digestion diffuse into the intestinal epithelium as micelles.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
15-25
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
15-26
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
71. In patients lacking exocrine pancreas secretion, fat digestion is normal provided bile is
still produced.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
72. The breakdown products of dietary fats are resynthesized into fat by intestinal cells and
pass from these cells into lacteals.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
73. Contraction of the circular smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract wall decreases the
diameter of the lumen, while contraction of the longitudinal smooth muscle shortens the tract.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.02
Topic: Digestive System
74. Following a "meal" that consists solely of carbohydrate (for example, sugar cubes), no
amino acids will be absorbed by the small intestine.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
15-27
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
75. Short chains of amino acids and some intact proteins are absorbed from the small
intestine.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
76. Three enzymes secreted by the pancreas and important for protein digestion are trypsin,
chymotrypsin, and pepsin.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
77. The function of micelles is to store the products of lipid digestion in water-soluble form.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
78. The most abundant solute in chyme is sodium.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.03
Topic: Digestive System
79. Neural regulation of digestive processes is accomplished exclusively by the enteric
nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-28
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
15-29
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
80. The presence of acid and peptides in the stomach stimulates the gastric phase of
gastrointestinal control.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
81. The presence of food in the mouth stimulates salivary gland secretion.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
82. Food is propelled down the esophagus primarily as a result of segmentation contractions
of esophageal smooth muscle.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
83. The amount of HCl secreted by the stomach during the digestion of a meal is dependent
upon the type of food ingested.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-30
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
84. In general, sympathetic stimulation increases gastric secretion and motility, while
parasympathetic stimulation decreases these two processes.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-31
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
85. Removal of the stomach would interfere with absorption of vitamin B12.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
86. "Heartburn" following a large meal is usually due to pressure of the stomach against the
heart.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
87. Gastric chief cells secrete pepsin.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
88. Normally, the amount of bicarbonate ions secreted into the intestine nearly equals the
amount of acid secreted by the stomach during digestion.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
89. About 95 percent of the bile secreted by the liver is recycled back to the liver by the
enterohepatic circulation.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-32
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
15-33
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
90. The same hormone that stimulates secretion of bicarbonate ion by the pancreas also
stimulates bicarbonate ion secretion into the bile.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
91. The same hormone that stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion stimulates hepatic
secretion of bile salts.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
92. Bile secreted by the liver contains the major enzymes for digesting fats.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
93. During a meal, peristalsis is the predominant form of movement in the small intestine.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-34
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
94. The presence of high-osmolarity chyme in the small intestine stimulates both water
movement into the intestinal lumen from the blood and the discharge of more chyme from the
stomach into the duodenum.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-35
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
95. The gastroileal reflex coordinates the emptying of chyme from the ileum into the colon
with the emptying of chyme from the stomach into the duodenum.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
96. The primary function of the large intestine is to store and dilute unabsorbed fecal
material.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
97. Because the large intestine has a greater diameter than the small intestine, the large
intestine has a greater surface area.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
98. Flatus is primarily a result of air being swallowed with food.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-36
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
99. Voluntary control of defecation requires learning to keep the external anal sphincter
smooth muscle contracted.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.04
Topic: Digestive System
15-37
Chapter 15 - The Digestion and Absorption of Food
100. Lactose intolerance is caused by an amylase deficiency.
FALSE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
101. Severe diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
102. Any agent that interferes with water absorption or that causes water secretion into the
gastrointestinal tract can cause diarrhea.
TRUE
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Section 15.05
Topic: Digestive System
15-38
