HNE25306
Problem set 1: Alimentary Tract and Study Design
Instructor: Sander Kersten
Alimentary tract
1. In the gastro-intestinal tract peristalsis usually moves the food down from proximal to
distal. However, sometimes the food bolus is abruptly moved in the opposite direction.
What condition am I referring to?
2. What happens when the lower esophageal sphincter does not properly close?
3. Why is the interior lining of the stomach covered with mucus?
4. Explain which specific anatomical and histological features dramatically increase the
surface area of the small intestine. What is the purpose of the large surface area?
5. Any digestion of starch that may occur in the mouth through the action of lingual
amylase stops abruptly when the food enters the stomach. Why?
6. Describe the roles of goblet cells and entero-endocrine cells.
7. The microscopic structure (histology) of the small intestine in individuals with celiac
disease responds strongly to consumption of gluten. Find out how.
8. What is the main function of the colon?
9. Why is pancreatic juice rich in bicarbonate?
10. Venous blood coming from the small intestine follows a different course compared to
normal venous blood. Explain.
11. The small intestine is generally divided into 3 parts from proximal to distal. Name
these parts and explain how their functions differs.
12. Explain the difference between a digestive enzyme and an intestinal hormone. Given
an example of an intestinal hormone.
13. Find out which type of animals have a very short gastrointestinal tract? And which
types of animals have a very long gastrointestinal tract?
Study design
1. What is the main limitation of an observational study?
2. What is the main limitation of a cross-sectional study as compared to a cohort study?
Problem set 1: Alimentary Tract and Study Design
Instructor: Sander Kersten
Alimentary tract
1. In the gastro-intestinal tract peristalsis usually moves the food down from proximal to
distal. However, sometimes the food bolus is abruptly moved in the opposite direction.
What condition am I referring to?
2. What happens when the lower esophageal sphincter does not properly close?
3. Why is the interior lining of the stomach covered with mucus?
4. Explain which specific anatomical and histological features dramatically increase the
surface area of the small intestine. What is the purpose of the large surface area?
5. Any digestion of starch that may occur in the mouth through the action of lingual
amylase stops abruptly when the food enters the stomach. Why?
6. Describe the roles of goblet cells and entero-endocrine cells.
7. The microscopic structure (histology) of the small intestine in individuals with celiac
disease responds strongly to consumption of gluten. Find out how.
8. What is the main function of the colon?
9. Why is pancreatic juice rich in bicarbonate?
10. Venous blood coming from the small intestine follows a different course compared to
normal venous blood. Explain.
11. The small intestine is generally divided into 3 parts from proximal to distal. Name
these parts and explain how their functions differs.
12. Explain the difference between a digestive enzyme and an intestinal hormone. Given
an example of an intestinal hormone.
13. Find out which type of animals have a very short gastrointestinal tract? And which
types of animals have a very long gastrointestinal tract?
Study design
1. What is the main limitation of an observational study?
2. What is the main limitation of a cross-sectional study as compared to a cohort study?
