The Digestive System – 70 Multiple-Choice Questions &
Answers Complete Exam Review – Portage Learning |
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Module 6: The Digestive System
This module covers the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system and physiological processes
associated with digestion.
Digestive Tract: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
Accessory Organs: Liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Digestive Processes: Ingestion, propulsion, mechanical digestion, chemical digestion, absorption,
and defecation.
Clinical Correlations: Peptic ulcers, malabsorption syndromes, and liver diseases.
This comprehensive document contains 70 multiple-choice questions and verified
answers for the Module 6 Exam covering the Digestive System for Portage Learning's
BIOL251 Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab or BIOD152 Anatomy & Physiology II. Each
question includes the correct answer in bold with a detailed italic explanation .
SECTION 1: OVERVIEW & ORGANIZATION OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM (Questions
1–10)
1. What are the four main functions performed by the digestive system?
A) Ingestion, propulsion, mechanical digestion, and chemical digestion
B) Ingestion, digestion, absorption, and metabolism
C) Ingestion, digestion, absorption, and defecation
D) Ingestion, secretion, absorption, and elimination
,Answer: C
The digestive system has four main roles: ingestion (taking food into the mouth), digestion
(breaking down food mechanically and chemically), absorption (moving digested molecules
into the bloodstream or lymph), and defecation (eliminating undigested waste as feces) .
2. Which of the following is NOT an accessory digestive organ?
A) Teeth
B) Liver
C) Spleen
D) Pancreas
Answer: C
The spleen is an organ of the lymphatic/immune system, not a digestive accessory organ.
Accessory digestive organs include the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and
pancreas .
3. The interior of the alimentary canal is considered:
A) Inside the body
B) Outside the body
C) Both inside and outside
D) Neither inside nor outside
Answer: B
The alimentary canal is a hollow tube that is continuous with the external environment.
Ingested food is not technically "inside the body" until it is absorbed through the intestinal
wall into the blood or lymph .
4. The abdominal wall is lined with which membrane?
, A) Visceral peritoneum
B) Parietal peritoneum
C) Mesentery
D) Greater omentum
Answer: B
The parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal wall. The visceral peritoneum covers the
abdominal organs. The peritoneal cavity is the potential space between these two
membranes .
5. Which layer of the alimentary canal wall is the innermost?
A) Serosa
B) Submucosa
C) Muscularis
D) Mucosa
Answer: D
The mucosa is the innermost layer of the alimentary canal wall, in direct contact with the
food material. It is a mucous membrane that produces mucus for lubrication and contains a
thin smooth muscle layer .
6. Which layer of the alimentary canal wall contains blood vessels for nutrient
absorption?
A) Mucosa
B) Submucosa
C) Serosa
D) Muscularis
Answer: B