Human Anatomy and Physiology : Human Anatomy and Physiology

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #5 : Help With Small Intestine Physiology

The small intestine is the location of major nutrient absorption in the body. Which accessory organ helps fat absorption in the small intestine, and how?

Possible Answers:

The pancreas, which releases pancreatic protease to break down fats

The stomach, which releases bile to emulsify fats

The gallbladder, which releases bile to emulsify fats

The large intestine, which releases fiber for digestion

Correct answer:

The gallbladder, which releases bile to emulsify fats

Explanation:

Bile is necessary to emulsify fats. Proteases break down proteins, not fat. Fiber is broken down by bacteria in the large intestine. The stomach does not release bile. Note that the liver synthesizes bile, but it is stored in and released from the gallbladder.

Example Question #6 : Help With Small Intestine Physiology

What does the small intestine do?

Possible Answers:

Form waste by removing water from undigested material

Produce bile for storage by the gallbladder

Receive stomach contents and continues to digest them using enzymes

Help break down fats 

Correct answer:

Receive stomach contents and continues to digest them using enzymes

Explanation:

The small intestine receives stomach contents and continues to digest them by using various enzymes, it also absorbs small nutrient molecules. The large intestine produces waste by removing water from undigested material. The liver produces bile for the gallbladder and also processes and stores nutrients. The gallbladder stores bile and assists in the breakdown of fats in the small intestine. 

Example Question #7 : Help With Small Intestine Physiology

Which of the following is the correct pathway of food traveling through the gastrointestinal tract?

Possible Answers:

Stomach, ileum, duodenum

Sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon

Duodenum, jejunum, ileum

Ascending colon, cecum, transverse colon, descending colon 

Correct answer:

Duodenum, jejunum, ileum

Explanation:

The correct pathway for food to travel through the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion is the following: esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum.

Example Question #8 : Help With Small Intestine Physiology

The presence of fat and protein in the small intestine stimulates the release of which hormone that acts to decrease gastric emptying.

Possible Answers:

Gastrin

Secretin

Motilin

Glucagon

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Correct answer:

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Explanation:

CCK is a gastrointestinal hormone that acts to decrease gastric emptying when stimulated by the presence of fat and protein. This hormone also has a direct effect on the brain centers responsible for hunger to reduce further eating. The majority of other gastrointestinal hormones are stimulated by the presence of fat.

Example Question #9 : Help With Small Intestine Physiology

A patient presents after a car accident. He has damaged his duodenum and has to have surgery to remove the damaged portion (duodenectomy). Which of the following will be observed?

Possible Answers:

Increased glucose levels

Decreased iron levels 

Decreased creatinine levels 

Increased calcium levels

Increased B9 absorption

Correct answer:

Decreased iron levels 

Explanation:

The duodenum is responsible for the absorption of iron and calcium. Without it, individuals will be iron deficient (anemia) and hypocalcemia (soft bones and etc.). B9 and B12 are both absorbed in the small intestine. 

Example Question #901 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

Which of the following is not a function of the large intestine?

Possible Answers:

Vitamin B12 absorption

Water absorption

Fat digestion

Electrolyte absorption

Correct answer:

Fat digestion

Explanation:

The large intestine is responsible for the absorption of water and electrolytes. Most digestion and nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, leaving water and insoluble wastes for the large intestine. Once absorption takes place, the wastes become more solid and the body is able to retain water. Loss of this large intestine function can lead to severe dehydration.

Fat digestion is primarily a function of lipase and bile. Lipase helps cleave lipid molecules and bile helps emulsify particles for transport into the lymphatic system via lacteals.

Example Question #54 : Excretory And Digestive Physiology

Diarrhea is a result of lack of absorption or reduced absorption by which of the following organs?

Possible Answers:

Kidney

Stomach

Small intestine

Large intestine

Correct answer:

Large intestine

Explanation:

The digestive system is responsible for the breakdown of food as it moves from the mouth, down through the stomach and the intestines. The food is mechanically broken down into small pieces in the mouth, and then further digested by the gastric secretions and contractions of the stomach. The small intestine is the site of chemical digestion due to the presence of pancreatic secretions. Once digested, the nutrients are absorbed in the jejunum and ileum of the small intestine. The large intestine is responsible for absorption of water and electrolytes, after which the remaining products are carried to the rectum for elimination.

If the water is not absorbed due to an infection or anatomical abnormality the feces will retain the water content, resulting in diarrhea.

The kidneys are responsible for the excretion of fluid wastes from the blood and help to maintain water balance and blood pressure. They are not involved in the digestive tract.

Example Question #3 : Help With Large Intestine Physiology

What nutrient is reabsorbed in the large intestine?

Possible Answers:

amino acids

water

sugars

fat

Correct answer:

water

Explanation:

Amino acids, sugars, and fats are absorbed in the small intestine, but water is absorbed in the large intestine.

Example Question #61 : Excretory And Digestive Physiology

Which of the following enzymes secreted by the pancreas is necessary in order to activate all remaining enzymes secreted into the small intestine?

Possible Answers:

Ribonuclease

Lipase

Chymotrypsin

Trypsin

Correct answer:

Trypsin

Explanation:

All enzymes released into the lumen of the small intestine by the pancreas are zymogens. Enterokinase is an enzyme that activates trypsin in the lumen. Once trypsin is activated, it is capable of activating every other enzyme found in the lumen of the small intestine, even other trypsin enzymes.

Example Question #61 : Excretory And Digestive Physiology

What is the purpose of bile in the small intestine?

Possible Answers:

Lowers the acidity of chyme

Carbohydrate digestion

Fat digestion

Fat emulsification

Correct answer:

Fat emulsification

Explanation:

Bile is produced by the liver and released from the gall bladder into the small intestine. It has the function of emulsifying fat, increasing its surface area by forming micelles. This allows the protein lipase to break down and digest the fat in the small intestine much more quickly.

The pancreas secretes bicarbonate to neutralize the acidity of chyme and pancreatic amylase to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates.

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