The shortest section of the intestines is the _____.
- A. colon
- B. duodenum
- C. ileum
- D. jejunum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: duodenum. The duodenum is the shortest section of the small intestine, measuring around 25-30 cm in length. It is the first part of the small intestine and plays a crucial role in the digestion process by receiving partially digested food from the stomach and mixing it with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. The colon (choice A) is the longest part of the large intestine, the ileum (choice C) and jejunum (choice D) are longer sections of the small intestine, following the duodenum in the digestive tract. Therefore, the duodenum is the correct answer as it is specifically the shortest part of the intestines.
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The colonic microflora can be considered as 'an organ within an organ'. Which of the following statements best describes the functions of the microbiota?
- A. Measurement of daily dietary fibre intake underestimates the amount of fermentable material entering the colon each day
- B. All of the options given are correct
- C. Acetate, propionate and butyrate are the chief organic acids produced by anaerobic colic fermentation
- D. The establishment of an 'acetate buffer' in the colonic lumen suppresses the growth of some pathogenic bacteria.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the colonic microbiota performs multiple essential functions such as aiding in digestion, producing vitamins, regulating immune function, and maintaining gut barrier integrity. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on dietary fiber intake rather than the microbiota's functions. Option C is incorrect because while acetate, propionate, and butyrate are important organic acids produced, they are not the only ones. Option D is incorrect as the microbiota's establishment of an 'acetate buffer' does not necessarily suppress the growth of all pathogenic bacteria.
The functions of saliva include the following except:
- A. Cleaning the mouth
- B. Killing bacteria
- C. Digestion of lipids
- D. Facilitation of speech
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Digestion of lipids is not a function of saliva. Saliva primarily aids in cleaning the mouth by washing away food particles, killing bacteria with its antibacterial properties, and facilitating speech by lubricating the mouth and throat. Digestion of lipids primarily occurs in the small intestine with the help of enzymes like lipase. Salivary amylase, found in saliva, assists in breaking down carbohydrates, not lipids. Therefore, digestion of lipids is not a function of saliva.
Which characterizes auscultation of the abdomen?
- A. The presence of borborygmi indicates hyperperistalsis.
- B. The bell of the stethoscope is used to auscultate high-pitched sounds.
- C. High-pitched
- D. rushing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Borborygmi is the sound of hyperperistalsis often heard when the stomach is actively moving food.
Patients with gastric ulcer typically exhibit the following symptoms:
- A. Epigastric pain worse after eating and weight loss.
- B. Epigastric pain worse before meals, pain awakening patient from sleep, and melena.
- C. Decreased bowel sounds, rigid abdomen, rebound tenderness, and fever.
- D. Boring epigastric pain radiating to back and left shoulder, bluish-gray discoloration of periumbilical area, and ascites.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gastric ulcers typically present with epigastric pain that worsens before meals, pain that can wake the patient at night, and melena due to gastrointestinal bleeding.
Which type of cells produce insulin in the pancreas?
- A. acinar cells
- B. duct cells
- C. alpha cells
- D. beta cells
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: beta cells. Beta cells are the specific type of cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. They are located in the islets of Langerhans and play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Acinar cells (A) are responsible for producing digestive enzymes, duct cells (B) are involved in transporting pancreatic enzymes, and alpha cells (C) produce glucagon, which has the opposite effect of insulin in regulating blood sugar. Therefore, the correct choice is beta cells as they are the primary insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.