Digestive System Quiz

What is the primary function of the stomach in the digestive system?

• Absorption of nutrients

• Mechanical digestion

• Production of bile

• Storage of food

Answer explanation

The primary function of the stomach in the digestive system is mechanical digestion. It is not primarily responsible for the absorption of nutrients, production of bile, or storage of food. The stomach breaks down food into a liquid mixture through a process called mechanical digestion, making it easier for the small intestine to absorb nutrients.

1. What are two functions of the esophagus in the digestive system?

• Transporting food and liquids

• Inhalation

• Peristalsis

• Absorption

Answer explanation

The liver is the correct answer to this question as it is the organ responsible for producing bile. Bile is a crucial element for the digestion and absorption of fats in the human body. Therefore, the liver plays a fundamental role in this process, unlike the other options such as the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.

Where does most of the nutrient absorption take place in the digestive system?

• Stomach

• Large intestine

• Small intestine

• Esophagus

Answer explanation

The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It is equipped with villi and microvilli which increase surface area and allow for greater nutrient intake. Although the stomach and large intestine play important roles in digestion, their primary functions are not nutrient absorption. The esophagus is simply a conduit for food from the mouth to the stomach.

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars in the mouth?

• Lipase

• Amylase

• Protease

• Nuclease

Answer explanation

The enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars in the mouth is Amylase. This enzyme starts the process of digestion by breaking down starch when you chew your food, converting it into maltose, a smaller carbohydrate. The other options, Lipase, Protease and Nuclease, are not involved in the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth.

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

• Producing insulin

• Storing bile

• Digesting proteins

• Absorbing water

Answer explanation

The gallbladder plays a crucial role in the digestive system by storing bile, a fluid produced by the liver to digest fats. When you eat, the gallbladder releases stored bile into the small intestine through the bile ducts, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats. The other options, such as producing insulin and digesting proteins, are functions of the pancreas, not the gallbladder.

What is peristalsis in the context of the digestive system?

• The secretion of stomach acid

• The process of swallowing

• Rhythmic muscular contractions

• The breakdown of proteins into amino acids

Answer explanation

Peristalsis refers to the rhythmic muscular contractions that move food along the digestive tract in our body. This term is specifically used in the context of the digestive system. It's not about the secretion of stomach acid, swallowing process, or breakdown of proteins into amino acids. It is the primary mechanism that our digestive system uses to propel the food we consume from the esophagus all the way to the rectum.

1. Question: Which organ is responsible for the production of bile, a digestive fluid that helps emulsify fats?

The .................. is responsible for producing bile, which is stored in the gallbladder until it's needed for digestion.

Which part of the small intestine is responsible for absorbing most of the nutrients from digested food?

• Duodenum

• Jejunum

• Ileum

• Colon

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Jejunum. The small intestine is divided into three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. Out of these, the jejunum is primarily responsible for absorbing most of the nutrients from digested food. The other options, Duodenum, Ileum, and Colon, play different roles in digestion.

What is the primary role of the pancreas in digestion?

• Producing insulin

• Storing nutrients

• Absorbing water

• Producing digestive enzymes

Answer explanation

The pancreas plays a significant role in digestion by producing digestive enzymes. These enzymes help in the breakdown of food, enabling the body to absorb nutrients. While the pancreas does produce insulin, its primary role in digestion is not insulin production but the creation of these crucial digestive enzymes.

What are the digestive enzymes that the pancreas produces? ​ (a)   ​ ​ (b)   ​ (c)  

• Amylase
• Lipase
• Protease
• insulin
• adrenaline
• glucagon