Chemical digestion of starch foods begins in the:
- A. mouth
- B. stomach
- C. small intestine
- D. large intestine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mouth. Salivary amylase, an enzyme in saliva, initiates the breakdown of starch into maltose in the mouth. This process marks the beginning of chemical digestion of starch foods. In contrast, the stomach primarily digests proteins, the small intestine further breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, while the large intestine absorbs water and minerals. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the initial site of starch digestion.
You may also like to solve these questions
An individual has the following symptoms: jaundice, pale in color, liver with a buildup of connective tissue. This individual most likely has
- A. gastritis.
- B. pancreatitis.
- C. gall stones.
- D. cirrhosis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: cirrhosis. Jaundice, pale skin, and liver with connective tissue buildup are classic symptoms of cirrhosis - a condition characterized by scarring of the liver due to long-term damage. Jaundice occurs when the liver is unable to properly process bilirubin, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes. The pale color can be due to anemia often seen in cirrhosis. The buildup of connective tissue is indicative of fibrosis and scarring in the liver. Gastritis (A) is inflammation of the stomach lining, pancreatitis (B) is inflammation of the pancreas, and gallstones (C) are solid particles that form in the gallbladder. These conditions do not typically present with the combination of symptoms described.
Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach?
- A. Amylase
- B. Protease
- C. Lipase
- D. Pepsin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pepsin is the correct answer as it is the enzyme specifically produced by gastric chief cells in the stomach to break down proteins into peptides. It works optimally in the acidic environment of the stomach. Amylase (choice A) breaks down carbohydrates, protease (choice B) refers to a general term for enzymes that break down proteins, and lipase (choice C) breaks down fats, making them incorrect for this question.
In human, the cardiac sphincter surrounds the cardiac orifice in the digestive tract. The failure of this sphincter's normal function will result in
- A. regurgation of the food into the oesophagus
- B. loss of control of defecation
- C. movement of the bolus into the trachea rather than the oesophagus
- D. rapid emptying from the stomach to the small intestine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: regurgitation of the food into the oesophagus. The cardiac sphincter is located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach. Its main function is to prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. If the cardiac sphincter fails to function properly, it can lead to regurgitation, where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and potential damage to the esophageal lining.
Summary:
B: Loss of control of defecation is not related to the cardiac sphincter, as it primarily functions in the upper digestive tract.
C: Movement of the bolus into the trachea is related to swallowing reflex and epiglottis function, not the cardiac sphincter.
D: Rapid emptying from the stomach to the small intestine is controlled by the pyloric sphincter, not the cardiac sphincter.
What is the priority action when caring for a patient with acute cholecystitis and suspected perforation?
- A. Prepare for surgery immediately.
- B. Administer IV fluids and pain medication.
- C. Administer antibiotics as ordered.
- D. Monitor the patient's vital signs closely for signs of shock.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prepare for surgery immediately. This is the priority action because acute cholecystitis with suspected perforation is a surgical emergency that requires prompt intervention to prevent serious complications such as sepsis. Surgery is needed to remove the inflamed gallbladder and repair any perforation. Administering IV fluids, pain medication, and antibiotics are important supportive measures but do not address the underlying issue. Monitoring vital signs is also crucial, but immediate surgical intervention takes precedence in this critical situation.
Which of these digestive processes occurs in the mouth?
- A. chemical digestion of proteins
- B. mechanical digestion of food
- C. chemical digestion of starch
- D. all of the above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: chemical digestion of starch. In the mouth, salivary glands secrete enzymes like amylase to break down starch into simpler sugars. This process initiates the digestion of carbohydrates. Mechanical digestion (Choice B) occurs in the mouth through chewing and mixing food with saliva, but it does not involve chemical breakdown. Chemical digestion of proteins (Choice A) primarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine with the help of enzymes like pepsin and trypsin. Choice D is incorrect because not all the processes listed occur in the mouth.