Digestive System Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of practice questions and answers covering digestive system anatomy, enzymatic functions, and common gastrointestinal disorders.

Which structure is responsible for the most nutrient absorption?

Small intestine

Name the parts of the alimentary canal through which food actually travels, rather than just acting as accessory organs.

Esophagus, Ileum, and Cecum

Where is food mainly mechanically digested?

Mouth and Stomach

Which of the following is NOT a part of the small intestine: Jejunum, Ileum, Rectum, or Duodenum?

Rectum

Which part of the alimentary canal is primarily involved in water absorption?

Large intestine

What is the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach?

Esophagus

What structures increase the surface area of the small intestine?

Villi

Which of the following is NOT a protein-digesting enzyme: Trypsin, Pepsin, Peptidase, Chymotrypsin, or Lipase?

Lipase

What is the name of the soupy mixture of semi-digested food released by the stomach into the small intestine?

Chyme

An overgrowth of H. pylori bacteria in the upper digestive tract usually results in what condition?

Ulcers

What is the name of the enzyme in the mouth that helps kill bacteria?

Lysozyme

In which part of the intestines do the gallbladder and pancreas secrete their enzymes and bile?

Duodenum

If peristalsis of the large intestine is working at a very slow rate, what condition is likely to result?

Constipation

The digestion of which macromolecule is most affected by gastric bypass surgery?

Proteins

If someone has their gallbladder removed, which component of their diet should they reduce?

Lipids

Which of the following is NOT produced in the stomach: Mucus, Sucrase, Chyme, Hydrochloric acid, or Pepsinogen?

Sucrase

What are the waves of muscular contractions that propel the contents of the digestive tract called?

Peristalsis

What structure of the stomach allows the passage of food from the stomach to the duodenum?

Pyloric sphincter

What does the liver make for the digestive system?

Bile

Chemical digestion of which macromolecule begins in the mouth?

Carbohydrates

Taking antibiotics will most likely have what negative effect on the large intestine?

Decreasing vitamin production

Why is the stomach the least likely place for carbohydrates (starch/amylase) to be broken down?

Because the stomach acid will denature amylase

What should you include in your diet to protect against hemorrhoids, colon cancer, and constipation?

Fiber

What is it called when stomach acid goes back up the esophagus?

Heart burn

What occurs when mucus production of the stomach is decreased and a hole forms in the stomach wall?

Ulcers

What is food called when it is in the mouth and mixed with saliva?

Bolus

What is the little pinky-size part of the large intestine right after the iliocecal sphincter that can become inflamed?

Appendix

How does reduced storage space from gastric bypass surgery lead to weight loss?

The person gets full very quickly and consumes fewer calories; additionally, food spends less time being digested, making it harder for enzymes to break it down for absorption.

What is the role of enzymes in the digestive system?

Break down food into smaller molecules for absorption

What is the main function of the digestive system?

Break down food for energy and nutrients