186 Questions
What is the primary function of the gastric mucosal mechanisms in the stomach?
To regulate acid secretion and provide mucosal protection
Which of the following GI pathologies is characterized by the narrowing of the pyloric sphincter, leading to vomiting and dehydration?
Pyloric stenosis
What is the primary function of the secretory functions of the liver in the GI tract?
To produce bile salts for fat digestion
Which of the following is NOT a pathology related to the function of the stomach?
Pancreatitis
What is the primary mechanism of digestion and absorption in the GI tract?
Enzymatic digestion of food in the small intestine
What is the main cause of abdominal pain in gastrointestinal disorders?
Mediators of the inflammatory response stimulating afferent nociceptor fibers
Which of the following is NOT a type of gastrointestinal bleeding?
Hemorrhagic bleeding
What is the term for the subjective experience associated with a number of conditions, including hypersalivation and tachycardia?
Nausea
Which of the following is a characteristic of vomiting?
Forceful emptying of the stomach and intestinal contents through the mouth
What is the term for the type of pain felt in the organs themselves?
Visceral pain
Which of the following is a common culprit in stimulating afferent nociceptor fibers, leading to abdominal pain?
All of the above
What is the term for the bleeding that is not visible to the eye but can be detected with tests for heme?
Occult bleeding
What is the term for the abnormal connection between the stomach/lower esophagus and the lower trachea?
Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula
Which of the following is a disorder that can cause esophageal inflammation/esophagitis?
GERD
What is the main function of the esophagus?
To act as a conduit for food, facilitating mechanical digestion
What is the pathway by which amniotic fluid is reabsorbed in a fetus?
From the fetal GI tract to the bloodstream, then to the kidneys and bladder
What is the term for the abnormalities that occur in conjunction with esophageal atresia?
VACTERL
What is the primary cause of esophageal stricture?
Mucosal inflammation and scarring
What is the underlying physiological problem in esophageal achalasia?
Neurologic problem causing defective inhibition of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles
What is the most common cause of esophagitis?
Regurgitant stomach acid (GERD)
What is Barrett's esophagus?
A premalignant lesion caused by chronic inflammation
What is the function of gastric mucous?
To protect against acidic pH
What is the term for the abnormal growth of columnar epithelium in the esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus
What is the term for the abnormal passage of stomach contents into the esophagus?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
What is the term for the inability of the stomach to empty properly?
Gastroparesis
What is the primary cause of malabsorption and 'paradoxical diarrhea' in patients with gastroparesis?
Bacterial overgrowth of retained gastric contents
What is the term for a mass of hardened, undigested food or other material trapped in the digestive system?
Bezoar
What is the primary treatment for pyloric obstruction/GOO?
Gastric drainage (NG Tube) and intravenous (IV) fluid and electrolytes
What is the result of prolonged pyloric obstruction/GOO?
Malnutrition and dehydration
What is the response of the kidneys to pyloric stenosis?
Release of renin
What is the physical sign of pyloric stenosis?
Mass in the epigastric region
What stimulates acid release in the stomach?
Acetylcholine, Histamine, and Gastrin
What is the effect of H. Pylori on the stomach when the antrum is significantly affected?
Increased gastrin production
What is the name of the syndrome characterized by the presence of multiple endocrine tumors, particularly in the pancreas, parathyroid, and pituitary?
MEN1
What is the name of the enzyme produced by H. Pylori that converts urea into ammonia?
Urease
What is the result of inflammation in the GI tract?
Neovascularization
What is the name of the condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying?
Gastroparesis
What is the effect of immunotherapy directed against Gastrin receptors?
Decreased HCL production
What is the name of the tumor that can occur in the pancreas or duodenum and causes an overproduction of gastrin?
Gastrinoma
What is the clinical combination of duodenal ulcers and a pancreatic gastrin tumor?
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
What is the effect of anticholinergics on HCL production?
Decrease HCL production
What is the primary mechanism of digestion and absorption in the GI tract?
Enzymatic degradation of food by digestive enzymes
What is the function of the gastric mucosal mechanisms in the stomach?
Protection of the gastric mucosa from acid damage
What is the term for the abnormal passage of stomach contents into the esophagus?
Gastroesophageal reflux
What is the primary cause of esophageal stricture?
Gastroesophageal reflux
What is the name of the enzyme produced by H. Pylori that converts urea into ammonia?
Urease
What is the primary mechanism by which pain is generated in the gastrointestinal tract?
Stimulation of afferent nociceptor fibers by histamine, bradykinin, and serotonin
What is the term for vomiting that occurs without a preceding nausea or retching?
Spontaneous vomiting
Which of the following is NOT a common culprit in stimulating afferent nociceptor fibers, leading to abdominal pain?
Acetylcholine
What is the term for the bleeding that is not visible to the eye but can be detected with tests for heme?
Occult bleeding
What is the primary mechanism by which abdominal pain is generated in the gastrointestinal tract?
Stimulation of afferent nociceptor fibers by mediators of the inflammatory response
What is the term for the subjective experience associated with a number of conditions, including hypersalivation and tachycardia?
Nausea
What is the term for the abnormal connection between the stomach/lower esophagus and the lower trachea?
Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula
What is the term for the inability of the stomach to empty properly?
Gastroparesis
What is the term for the abnormal growth of columnar epithelium in the esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus
What is the primary function of the esophagus?
Conduit for food
What is the primary mechanism of amniotic fluid reabsorption in a fetus?
Through the fetal GI tract, bloodstream, and kidneys
What is the underlying physiological problem in esophageal achalasia?
Defective inhibition of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles
What is the term for the abnormal growth of columnar epithelium in the esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus
What is the most common cause of esophagitis?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
What is the term for the inability of the stomach to empty properly?
Gastroparesis
What is the primary cause of peptic ulcer disease?
Decreased mucus production
What is the term for the inflammatory response to gastric acid reflux?
Esophagitis
What is the term for the abnormal connection between the stomach/lower esophagus and the lower trachea?
Tracheoesophageal fistula
What is the result of prolonged pyloric obstruction?
Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO)
What is the term for the bleeding that is not visible to the eye but can be detected with tests for heme?
Occult bleeding
What is the main cause of malabsorption and 'paradoxical diarrhea' in patients with gastroparesis?
Bacterial overgrowth of retained gastric contents
What is the physical sign of pyloric stenosis?
Mass in the epigastric region
What is the underlying mechanism of Coca Cola dissolution therapy?
Acidic pH of Coca Cola
What is the response of the kidneys to pyloric stenosis?
Increased renin production
What is the primary cause of pyloric obstruction/GOO?
All of the above
What is the term for a mass of hardened, undigested food or other material trapped in the digestive system?
Bezoar
What is the primary mechanism by which cephalic phase production of HCL is stimulated?
Sight, smell, or taste of food
What is the effect of somatostatin on HCL production?
Inhibits HCL production
What is the primary source of histamine in the stomach?
Enterochromaffin-like cells (ECL cells) in the gastric mucosa
What is the most common complication of H. pylori infection?
Duodenal ulcers
What is the effect of anticholinergics on HCL production?
Decrease HCL production
What is the result of H. pylori infection on the antrum?
Increased gastrin production
What is the term for the condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying?
Gastroparesis
What is the primary function of the gastric mucosal mechanisms?
To produce mucus and protect the stomach lining
What is the term for the bleeding that occurs in the GI tract?
Gastrointestinal bleeding
What is the clinical combination of duodenal ulcers and a pancreatic gastrin tumor?
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
What is the primary function of the spleen in regards to red blood cells?
Mechanical filtration of aging or injured erythrocytes
What is the location where the stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder deliver their contents?
Duodenum
What is the consequence of inadequate neutralization of acidic chyme in the duodenum?
Duodenal ulcer
What is the anatomic feature of the duodenum that distinguishes it from the jejunum and ileum?
It's almost completely retroperitoneal
What is the location of the pancreatic head in relation to the duodenum?
It's nestled within the 'C' curve of the duodenum
What is the approximate length of the duodenum?
10-15 inches
What is the primary function of Brunner's glands in the duodenum?
To release bicarbonate and mucous to neutralize chyme
What is the name of the duct that empties the pancreas into the duodenum?
Main pancreatic duct
What is the term for the pain felt in the mid-epigastric region and back due to the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas?
Pancreatic pain
What is the result of a duct being blocked in the pancreas?
Pancreatic enzymes are activated prior to arriving at the duodenum
What is the term for the inflammation of the pancreas?
Pancreatitis
What is the function of the gallbladder?
To store and release bile
What is the term for the pancreatic duct that empties into the Ampulla of Santorini?
Accessory pancreatic duct
What is the result of pancreatic enzymes activating prior to arriving at the duodenum?
Pancreatic injury and/or pain
What is the term for the alkaline mucousy liquid produced by the pancreatic ductal cells?
Pancreatic juice
What is the location of the pancreas in the abdominal cavity?
Retroperitoneal
What is the main function of the Muscularis externa in the gallbladder?
To facilitate contraction and relaxation of the gallbladder
What is the term for crystallized or solidified stones of gallbladder content?
Gallstones
What is the term for the condition where the bile in the gallbladder is more highly concentrated than normal or less motile than normal?
Gallbladder sludge
What is the result of prolonged blockage of the bile duct?
All of the above
What is the primary cause of malabsorption in patients with pancreatic insufficiency?
Insufficient production of pancreatic enzymes
What is the term for the inability to break down lactose into glucose and galactose?
Lactose intolerance
What is the primary symptom of pancreatic insufficiency?
Fatty stools
What is the effect of estrogen on the gallbladder?
Increases cholesterol composition of bile and decreases gallbladder motility
What is the primary reason for treating symptomatic gallstones?
To prevent gallstone pancreatitis and liver inflammation
What is the term for the abnormal connection between the biliary tree and the pancreatic duct?
Pancreaticobiliary malfunction
What is a common complication of diverticulosis?
Inflammation
What is the primary mechanism of action of attapulgite and polycarbophil in treating diarrhea?
Binding toxins and bacteria in the colon
What is a risk factor for developing diverticulosis?
Low-residue diet
What is a characteristic of diarrhea due to malabsorption syndromes?
Steatorrhea
What percentage of people of African or Asian descent continue to produce lactase as long as milk products are present?
5-15%
What is the primary function of loperamide in treating diarrhea?
Reducing gut motility
What is a common site for diverticulosis?
Distal colon
What is the primary consequence of bile salt deficiency in the digestive system?
Poor absorption of lipids
What is the primary mechanism of dumping syndrome?
Rapid emptying of hypertonic chyme into the small intestine
What is the primary characteristic of Crohn disease?
Skip lesions that are transmural
What is the primary treatment for dumping syndrome?
Eat frequent small meals, high in protein and low in carbohydrates
What is the primary consequence of malabsorption in inflammatory bowel disease?
Development of anemia
What is the primary characteristic of ulcerative colitis?
Continuous lesions limited to the mucosa
What is the primary cause of malabsorption in Crohn disease?
Inflammation of the intestine
What is the primary treatment for bile salt deficiency?
Increase medium-chain triglycerides in the diet
What is the primary consequence of rapid emptying of hypertonic chyme into the small intestine?
Diarrhea and cramping
What is the primary location of lesions in Ulcerative Colitis?
Colon and rectum, with no skip lesions
What is the characteristic of the intestinal wall affected in Crohn Disease?
The entire intestinal wall is affected
What is the common feature of Granuloma in Crohn Disease?
It is common in Crohn Disease
What is the characteristic of abdominal pain in Ulcerative Colitis?
It is an occasional symptom
What is the risk factor for Mechanical Bowel Obstruction?
Both A and B
What is the definition of Constipation?
Infrequent or difficult defecation
What is the type of diarrhea that is caused by nonabsorbable substances in the intestine?
Osmotic diarrhea
What is the treatment for dyssynergic defecation?
Biofeedback
What is the characteristic of Bloody stools in Ulcerative Colitis?
It is a common symptom
What is the risk factor for Mechanical Bowel Obstruction in the small intestine?
All of the above
What is the approximate weight of a normal spleen?
150 gm
What is the primary function of the spleen in relation to red blood cells?
Mechanical filtration of aging red blood cells
Where does the duodenum start?
At the pyloric sphincter
What is the main location of digestion in the small intestine?
Duodenum
What is the anatomic feature of the duodenum?
It is retroperitoneal
What is the purpose of the duodenum in relation to the stomach?
It neutralizes acidic chyme
What is the primary function of Brunner's glands in the proximal duodenum?
To release bicarbonate and mucous to neutralize chyme
What is the term for the pain felt in the mid-epigastric region and back due to the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas?
Pancreatic pain
What is the result of a duct being blocked in the pancreas?
Pancreatic enzymes are activated early, causing pancreatic injury
What is the term for the inflammation of the pancreas?
Pancreatitis
What is the primary location of the pancreas in the abdominal cavity?
Retroperitoneal, at the level of L1
What is the function of the gallbladder?
To store and release bile
What is the term for the condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying?
Gastroparesis
What is the result of enzymes being activated prior to arriving at the duodenum?
Pancreatic injury or pain
What is the primary function of pancreatic ductal cells?
To produce an alkaline mucous liquid
What is the term for the pancreatic duct that empties into the Ampulla of Santorini?
Accessory pancreatic duct
What percentage of people of African or Asian descent continue to produce lactase as long as milk products are present?
5-15%
What is the primary consequence of bile salt deficiency in the digestive system?
Poor absorption of lipids
What is the characteristic of lesions in Crohn disease?
Multilayer and often transmural
What is the primary mechanism of treatment for dumping syndrome?
Eat frequent small meals, high in protein and low in carbohydrates
What is the primary cause of malabsorption in inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammation of the intestine or colon
What is the primary characteristic of ulcerative colitis?
Ulceration of the colonic mucosa
What is the primary consequence of rapid emptying of hypertonic chyme from the stomach into the small intestine?
Diarrhea and osmotic shock
What is the primary treatment for bile salt deficiency in the diet?
Increase medium-chain triglycerides in the diet
What is the primary cause of anemia in Crohn disease?
Malabsorption of vitamin B12 and folic acid
What is the primary characteristic of lesions in ulcerative colitis?
Limited to the mucosa
What is the primary treatment for clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea?
Probiotics and fecal transplantation
What is the primary cause of diverticulosis?
Low-residue diet
What is the primary complication of diverticulosis?
All of the above
What is the primary function of attapulgite and polycarbophil in treating diarrhea?
To bind toxins and bacteria in the colon
What is the primary characteristic of diarrhea due to inflammatory bowel disease?
Fever and bloody stools
What is the primary risk factor for developing diverticulosis?
Low-residue diet
What is the primary difference in the area affected between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn Disease?
The entire intestinal wall is affected in Crohn Disease
What is the characteristic of Mechanical Bowel Obstruction?
Small bowel contents cannot travel downstream, causing bowel distension
What is the definition of Constipation?
Infrequent or difficult defecation, with normal transit times and small hard stools
What is the primary difference in the presence of Granuloma between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn Disease?
Granuloma is rare in Ulcerative Colitis and common in Crohn Disease
What is the primary treatment for Diarrhea?
Eat right, exercise, and moderate fiber intake
What is the primary characteristic of Osmotic Diarrhea?
Non-absorbable substance in the intestine draws water into the lumen
What is the primary risk factor for Mechanical Bowel Obstruction?
Prior surgery and diseases causing gut inflammation/stricture
What is the primary characteristic of Bloody stools in Ulcerative Colitis?
Common
What is the primary definition of Dysynergic Defecation?
Failure of the pelvic floor muscles or anal sphincter to relax with defecation
What is the primary characteristic of Abdominal Pain in Ulcerative Colitis?
Occasional
What is the primary function of the muscularis externa in the gallbladder?
To enable the contraction of the gallbladder
What is the term for the crystallized or solidified stones of gallbladder content?
Cholelithiasis
What is the primary cause of malabsorption in individuals with pancreatic insufficiency?
Insufficient production of pancreatic enzymes
What is the primary characteristic of lactose intolerance?
Inability to break down lactose into glucose and galactose
What is the term for the inflammation of the gallbladder?
Cholecystitis
What is the primary cause of gallstone formation?
Increased production of cholesterol in bile
What is the primary consequence of gallbladder sludge?
Increased risk of gallstones
What is the term for the diseases that interfere with nutrient absorption?
Malabsorption syndromes
What is the primary cause of fatty stools in individuals with pancreatic insufficiency?
Insufficient production of pancreatic enzymes
What is the primary treatment for lactose intolerance?
Lactase enzyme supplements
This quiz covers the normal physiology of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including neural control, processing of food, GI blood flow, and secretory functions. It also explores the pathologies related to these functions, with a focus on the stomach and upper GI tract. Test your knowledge of GI physiology and pathologies!
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