Digestive System

Question 1

What is the main function of the digestive system?

A To transport oxygen to the body
B To break down food into nutrients
C To regulate body temperature
D To produce hormones

Answer 1

B

To break down food into nutrients
The primary purpose of the digestive system is to break down food into smaller molecules (nutrients) that can be absorbed by the body for energy, growth, and repair.

Question 2

Which organ is responsible for mechanical digestion and mixing food with saliva?

A Liver
B Stomach
C Small intestine
D Mouth

Answer 2

D
Mouth
The mouth begins the process of digestion by mechanically breaking down food through chewing and mixing it with saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that start chemical digestion.

Saliva is a fluid produced by salivary glands in the mouth. It helps with digestion, lubrication, and protection of the oral cavity. The body makes up to 2 to 4 pints (1 to 2 liters) of saliva a day, with the most production in the late afternoon and the least at night. The amount of saliva produced in a lifetime can be estimated at around 21,024 liters

Question 3

Where does most nutrient absorption occur in the digestive system?

A Stomach
B Large intestine
C Small intestine
D Esophagus

Answer 3

C

Small intestine
The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption (absorb nutrients including fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals) occurs. Its large surface area and specialized structures (villi and microvilli) allow efficient absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
It also helps maintain the balance of fluids (absorbs much of the body’s ingested water) and electrolytes (such as sodium).

Question 4

Which organ produces bile to aid in fat digestion?

A Gallbladder
B Liver
C Pancreas
D Stomach

Answer 4

B

Liver

The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps emulsify fats, making them easier to digest and absorb in the small intestine.

Bit more

Bile ducts are tubes that transport bile and digestive juices from the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas to the small intestine. Bile is a fluid that helps digest fats and proteins and eliminates waste products from the body. Bile ducts also carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas that help break down food. Bile ducts are part of the biliary system and are essential for digestion and detoxification

Question 5

What is the role of the large intestine in the digestive system?

A Absorption of water and electrolytes
B Production of digestive enzymes
C Mechanical breakdown of food
D Storage of bile

A) Absorption of water and electrolytes
Explanation: The large intestine (colon) absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food, forming feces. It also houses beneficial gut bacteria and prepares waste for elimination.

Answer 5

A

Absorption of water and electrolytes
Explanation: The large intestine (colon) absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food, forming feces. It also houses beneficial gut bacteria and prepares waste for elimination.

Question 6

What is the function of the esophagus in the digestive system?

A Absorption of nutrients
B Mixing food with saliva
C Transporting food from the mouth to the stomach
D Producing bile

Answer 6

C

Transporting food from the mouth to the stomach
Explanation: The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach through peristalsis (wave-like contractions).

Question 7

Which organ stores bile and releases it into the small intestine when needed?

A Liver
B Stomach
C Gallbladder
D Pancreas

Answer 7

C

Gallbladder
Explanation: The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.

Question 8

What is the primary function of the pancreas in digestion?

A Producing insulin
B Absorbing nutrients
C Breaking down carbohydrates
D Producing digestive enzymes

Answer 8

D

Producing digestive enzymes
Explanation: The pancreas produces enzymes (such as amylase, lipase, and proteases) that help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine.

Question 9

Which part of the small intestine is responsible for most nutrient absorption?

A Duodenum
B Jejunum
C Ileum
D Cecum
B Jejunum
Explanation: The jejunum is the middle section of the small intestine and is where most nutrient absorption occurs due to its extensive surface area.

Answer 9

B

Jejunum
Explanation: The jejunum is the middle section of the small intestine and is where most nutrient absorption occurs due to its extensive surface area.

Question 10

What is the gut microbiome?

A The gut microbiome refers to the stomach lining.
B The gut microbiome consists of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
C The gut microbiome is responsible for producing stomach acid.
D The gut microbiome regulates blood sugar levels.

Answer 10

B

The gut microbiome consists of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Explanation: The gut microbiome comprises various microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) living in the digestive tract. Many of these are beneficial and necessary for overall health, including immune function and nutrient absorption.

A healthy gut can lead to many health benefits, including
Reducing inflammation that can lead to heart disease
Lowering the chance of obesity
Strong microbiome of the gut
Improved immune system
Improved cardiovascular health
Improved brain health
Restorative sleep
Improved mood
Effective digestion
Reduced risk of psychological, digestive, autoimmune diseases, and cancer