Physiology II w/ Lab | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026/2027
Edition (PDF)
**1. Which of the following is the correct order of the digestive processes?**
A) Absorption, Ingestion, Propulsion, Defecation, Mechanical Digestion
B) Ingestion, Propulsion, Mechanical Digestion, Chemical Digestion, Absorption, Defecation
C) Propulsion, Ingestion, Chemical Digestion, Absorption, Mechanical Digestion, Defecation
D) Ingestion, Mechanical Digestion, Propulsion, Absorption, Chemical Digestion, Defecation
Correct Answer: Ingestion, Propulsion, Mechanical Digestion, Chemical Digestion, Absorption,
Defecation
Rationale: Digestion begins with ingestion (eating), followed by propulsion (movement of food).
Mechanical digestion (physical breakdown) and chemical digestion (enzymatic breakdown) occur, often
simultaneously. Nutrients are then absorbed, and finally, undigested material is eliminated via
defecation.
**2. The layer of the alimentary canal responsible for secretions and absorption is the:**
A) Serosa
B) Muscularis externa
C) Mucosa
D) Submucosa
Correct Answer: Mucosa
Rationale: The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract and is responsible for secretion of mucus
and digestive enzymes, as well as absorption of nutrients. The serosa is the outermost layer, the
muscularis externa is responsible for motility, and the submucosa contains blood vessels and nerves.
**3. The myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) is located between which layers of the muscularis
externa?**
,A) Mucosa and submucosa
B) Circular and longitudinal muscle layers
C) Submucosa and muscularis
D) Serosa and adventitia
Correct Answer: Circular and longitudinal muscle layers
Rationale: The myenteric plexus is a major nerve supply located between the circular and longitudinal
muscle layers of the muscularis externa. It controls gastrointestinal motility. The submucosal plexus
(Meissner's plexus) is located in the submucosa.
**4. Which structure anchors the teeth to the bony socket?**
A) Enamel
B) Pulp cavity
C) Periodontal ligament
D) Gingiva
Correct Answer: Periodontal ligament
Rationale: The periodontal ligament anchors the tooth root to the bony socket (alveolus). Enamel covers
the crown, the pulp cavity contains nerves and blood vessels, and the gingiva is the gum tissue
surrounding the teeth.
**5. The portion of the tooth that is visible above the gum line is the:**
A) Root
B) Neck
C) Crown
D) Cementum
Correct Answer: Crown
, Rationale: The crown is the visible portion of the tooth above the gingiva (gum line). The root is
embedded in the bony socket, the neck is the junction between the crown and root, and cementum
covers the root.
**6. The fold of peritoneum that attaches the small intestine to the posterior abdominal wall is the:**
A) Greater omentum
B) Falciform ligament
C) Lesser omentum
D) Mesentery
Correct Answer: Mesentery
Rationale: The mesentery is a fold of peritoneum that attaches the small intestine to the posterior
abdominal wall, providing support and containing blood vessels and nerves. The greater omentum hangs
from the stomach, the falciform ligament attaches the liver, and the lesser omentum connects the
stomach to the liver.
**7. Which structure marks the division between the small and large intestine?**
A) Appendix
B) Ileocecal valve
C) Pyloric sphincter
D) Duodenal bulb
Correct Answer: Ileocecal valve
Rationale: The ileocecal valve is a sphincter that marks the junction between the ileum (small intestine)
and the cecum (large intestine), preventing backflow of fecal material. The pyloric sphincter is between
the stomach and duodenum.
**8. The first part of the small intestine is the:**