Human Anatomy and Physiology : Organs

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Organs

Which is the correct order through which consumed food will pass?

Possible Answers:

Pyloric sphincter, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine

Esophagus, pyloric sphincter, stomach, duodenum, small intestine

Esophagus, stomach, pyloric sphincter, duodenum, small intestine

Esophagus, stomach, pyloric sphincter, small intestine, duodenum

Esophagus, pyloric sphincter, stomach, small intestine, duodenum

Correct answer:

Esophagus, stomach, pyloric sphincter, duodenum, small intestine

Explanation:

The esophagus brings food down to the stomach. The pyloric sphincter releases small amounts of partially digested food into the duodenum, which is the beginning of the small intestine.

Example Question #22 : Organs

Which part of the colon is immediately before the rectum?

Possible Answers:

Cecum

Sigmoid colon

Descending colon

Transverse colon

Ascending colon

Correct answer:

Sigmoid colon

Explanation:

The cecum is the first part of the large intestine. After traveling through the cecum, digested material travels up the ascending colon, past the hepatic flexure, through the transverse colon, past the splenic flexure, down the descending colon, and finally through the sigmoid colon.

Example Question #23 : Organs

Which of the following is true of the greater omentum?

Possible Answers:

It is composed of two layers of parietal peritoneum

It attaches to the stomach and the ascending colon

It attaches to the stomach and the transverse stomach

It connects the stomach to the liver

Correct answer:

It attaches to the stomach and the transverse stomach

Explanation:

The greater omentum is a large apron like fold of peritoneum that hangs from the greater curvature of the stomach in front of the small intestine. Once pass the small intestines, the greater omentum reflects on itself to reach the transverse colon. The lesser omentum connects the lesser curvature of the stomach to the liver. The greater omentum consists of visceral peritoneum.

Example Question #24 : Organs

Which organ would be at greatest risk of a stab wound to the right hypochondrium?

Possible Answers:

Stomach

Ileum

Small intestine

Spleen

Liver

Correct answer:

Liver

Explanation:

The liver is a large organ located in the upper right quadrant (also known as the right hypochrondriac region) of the abdomen. It sits below the diaphragm and above the stomach and intestines.

The hypochondriac regions consist of the upper outer quadrants of the abdomen, lateral to the epigastric region. Specifically it consists of the area that is covered by the costal cartilage of the ribs. 

Example Question #25 : Organs

Which of the following organs becomes secondarily retroperitoneal during development?

Possible Answers:

Stomach

Spleen

Ascending colon 

Transverse colon

Correct answer:

Ascending colon 

Explanation:

During the course of development the ascending colon is pushed against the posterior wall of the abdomen to become secondarily retroperitoneal. Other retroperitoneal organs include the descending colon, kidneys, adrenals, esophagus, ureters, pancreas (except tail), the second and third segments of the duodenum, the aorta/inferior vena cava, and the rectum. 

The spleen, transverse colon, and stomach are all intraperitoneal organs (located within the abdominal cavity and wrapped in peritoneum) .  

Example Question #26 : Organs

Which of the following organs are located within the retroperitoneal space?

Possible Answers:

Pancreas, ascending colon, descending colon 

Adrenal glands, pancreas, stomach

Liver, stomach, ileum

Stomach, jejunum, spleen

Pancreas, spleen, gallbladder

Correct answer:

Pancreas, ascending colon, descending colon 

Explanation:

Retroperitoneal organs include the following: esophagus, adrenal glands, aorta/inferior vena cava, second and third parts of the duodenum, pancreas (except the tail), ureters, colon (ascending and descending portions), the kidneys, and the rectum.

The retroperitoneal space is an anatomical space within the abdomen but behind the peritoneum. Retroperitoneal organs should have peitoneum only at the anterior surface. These organs are not suspended by mesentery.

Example Question #27 : Organs

A girl goes to the hospital because she is having difficulty in removing wastes from the blood and in producing urine. Which organ may be functioning abnormally?

Possible Answers:

Ureter

Kidney

Bladder

Urethra

Correct answer:

Kidney

Explanation:

In the urinary system, the kidneys remove wastes from the blood and produce urine. The ureters are responsible for carrying the urine to be stored in the bladder. The urethra is responsible for draining urine from the bladder and conveying it out of the body.

Example Question #28 : Organs

A boy who has diarrhea finds that his diarrhea is due to decreased capacity of normal absorption in one of his organs. Which organ is involved?

Possible Answers:

Pancreas

Stomach

Large intestine

Liver

Correct answer:

Large intestine

Explanation:

The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water, salt, and electrolytes; when water is inadequately absorbed, diarrhea can result. The stomach is responsible for mixing food with mucus and gastric juice; it is not involved in absorption. The liver is responsible for producing bile, and the pancreas secretes enzymes to aid in digestion; these organs are also not involved with absorption.

Example Question #29 : Organs

What is the name of the structure that covers the trachea during swallowing?

Possible Answers:

Epiglottis

Glottis

Pharyngeal tonsil

Uvula

Correct answer:

Epiglottis

Explanation:

The epiglottis is a structure just above the glottis at the upper part of the larynx, and is composed of elastic cartilage. It prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing by bending horizontally and covering the glottis. This allows the epiglottis to redirect food to the esophagus.

The uvula is the posterior projection of the soft palate and can cover the nasal cavity when swallowing so that food cannot enter. The pharyngeal tonsils are masses of lymphatic tissue found behind the uvula.

Example Question #30 : Organs

What is the site of gas exchange in the body?

Possible Answers:

Trachea

Alveoli

Respiratory bronchioles

Bronchi

Correct answer:

Alveoli

Explanation:

Alveoli are small grape-like clusters that branch off of the respiratory bronchioles. These alveoli are the sites where oxygen diffuses into the capillaries, and carbon dioxide is exchanged in order to be exhaled.

The respiratory tract begins with the mouth and nasal passages and carries air to and from the alveoli for gas exchange. After entering the mouth and nasal passages, air travels through the pharynx and larynx before entering the trachea. The trachea divides into two primary bronchi before subdividing into numerous smaller bronchioles. Alveoli are located in clusters at the ends of bronchioles and are surrounded by capillaries for gas exchange to occur.

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