30 Questions
What is the primary function of the digestive system?
Transfer nutrients/water/electrolytes from food into the body’s internal environment
Which of the following is NOT one of the four major activities performed by the digestive system?
Excretion
What is the term for the smooth muscle in the walls of the GI tract exerting a steady low level of contraction?
Tone
What function does the maintenance of steady tone in the contents of GIT serve?
Prevents permanent distension of GIT walls
Which activity involves muscular contractions mixing and moving forward the contents of the gastrointestinal tract?
Motility
What anatomical features are involved in the swallowing reflex?
Hard palate and uvula
What determines the rate of propulsion in the propulsive movements of the gastrointestinal tract?
Function of the specific area of GIT
Which glands produce aqueous fluid in saliva?
Serous cells
What is the main purpose of mastication or chewing in digestion?
To prepare food for swallowing
What is achalasia characterized by?
Impaired swallowing
Which pair of salivary glands are located outside the oral cavity?
Parotid glands
What stimulates the reflex increase in salivary, gastric, and pancreatic secretions?
Stimulating taste buds
Which statement about GI secretions is correct?
GI secretions can be stimulated by both hormonal and neural factors
What is the composition of lactose?
Glucose + Galactose
Which layer of the GI tract comprises the thickest muscle layer?
Muscularis Externa
What effect does ACh release have on smooth muscle contraction?
Results in contraction of smooth muscle
What is the role of the outer longitudinal layer in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?
Contraction increases the GI region length.
Which branch of the nervous system decreases motility and secretion in the GI tract?
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Which nerve network helps regulate local gut activity by being located between the two muscle layers in the GI tract?
Myenteric plexus
How are protein and peptide chains primarily broken down?
By both endo- and exopeptidases
What initiates slow-wave potentials in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?
Pacesetter cells
What is the function of VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) in smooth muscle cells of the GI tract?
Causes relaxation of smooth muscle cells
Where are the myenteric and submucosal plexuses located in the gastrointestinal (GI) wall?
Within the length of the GI wall
What are the interstitial cells of Cajal positioned between in the GI tract?
Longitudinal and circular smooth muscle
What is the purpose of the uvula during swallowing?
Seals off nasal passage during swallowing
Which anatomical structure separates the mouth from the nasal passages?
Hard palate
What role do the tonsils play in the pharynx?
Defending against pathogens
Which sphincter prevents gastric reflux by closing off the esophagus?
Lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
What is the main function of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES)?
Guarding the esophagus at both ends
Which anatomical feature is essential for simultaneous breathing and chewing to occur?
Hard palate
Test your knowledge on how digestive function is regulated with this quiz. Determine the accuracy of statements regarding motility, GI secretions, enzyme action, lactose composition, muscle layers, and neurotransmitter effects on smooth muscle contraction.
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