Branches of which autonomic nerve carry the parasympathetic motor neurons to the enteric plexi?
- A. oculomotor
- B. facial
- C. glossopharyngeal
- D. vagus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: vagus. The vagus nerve carries parasympathetic motor neurons to the enteric plexi located in the gastrointestinal tract. It innervates most of the organs in the thorax and abdomen, controlling functions like digestion and heart rate. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not carry parasympathetic motor neurons to the enteric plexi. Oculomotor (A) innervates muscles responsible for eye movement, facial (B) innervates facial muscles and salivary glands, and glossopharyngeal (C) innervates the tongue and pharynx, but they do not specifically target the enteric plexi in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Which of these organs is not considered an accessory digestive structure?
- A. mouth
- B. salivary glands
- C. pancreas
- D. liver
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mouth. The mouth is not considered an accessory digestive structure because it is part of the main digestive system. The mouth is where the process of digestion begins with the mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and the chemical breakdown through the action of saliva produced by salivary glands. The salivary glands, pancreas, and liver are all accessory digestive structures because they aid in the digestion process but are not part of the alimentary canal. Salivary glands produce enzymes to further break down food, the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine, and the liver produces bile to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. These organs work alongside the main digestive system to help with the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
In which region of the GI tract is the longitudinal muscle of the muscularis arranged into distinct longitudinal bundles?
- A. Duodenum
- B. Jejunum
- C. Ileum
- D. Colon
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Colon. The colon has the longitudinal muscle of the muscularis arranged into distinct longitudinal bundles called taeniae coli. This unique structure helps in the formation of haustra, the pouches seen in the colon. In contrast, the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum do not have this specific arrangement of longitudinal muscle bundles. The duodenum has a smooth muscle layer, while the jejunum and ileum have a continuous layer of smooth muscle without distinct longitudinal bundles. Therefore, the colon is the region of the GI tract where the longitudinal muscle is organized into distinct bundles.
Which information will the nurse include when teaching a patient how to avoid chronic constipation? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Stimulant and saline laxatives can be used regularly.
- B. Bulk-forming laxatives are an excellent source of fiber.
- C. Walking or cycling frequently will help bowel motility.
- D. A good time for a bowel movement may be after breakfast.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bulk-forming laxatives are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber helps to soften stools, regulate bowel movements, and prevent constipation. By increasing fiber intake through bulk-forming laxatives or dietary sources, the patient can promote regularity and prevent chronic constipation.
Explanation for incorrect choices:
A: Stimulant and saline laxatives can cause dependency and are not recommended for regular use as they can disrupt the natural bowel function.
C: While physical activity like walking or cycling can aid in bowel motility, it is not the primary factor in preventing chronic constipation.
D: Timing of bowel movements can vary among individuals, and there is no specific "good time" universally applicable for everyone to have a bowel movement.
Which of the following enzymes is involved in the breakdown of proteins?
- A. amylase
- B. lipase
- C. pepsin
- D. maltase
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: pepsin. Pepsin is an enzyme produced in the stomach that helps break down proteins into peptides. It works in a highly acidic environment, denaturing proteins. Amylase (A) breaks down carbohydrates, lipase (B) breaks down fats, and maltase (D) breaks down maltose into glucose. Pepsin is specifically designed to target proteins, making it the correct choice.
The _____ are vessels that project into the villi and absorb fatty substances.
- A. lacteals
- B. lymphatics
- C. veins
- D. arteries
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: lacteals. Lacteals are specialized lymphatic vessels located in the villi of the small intestine. They are responsible for absorbing dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Lymphatics (choice B) are a broader term for lymphatic vessels and nodes. Veins (choice C) are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Arteries (choice D) are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. Therefore, only lacteals specifically project into the villi and absorb fatty substances, making them the correct choice.