Human Physiology & Anatomy (PNB 2265) Exam 3 – University Course | 2026/2027 Comprehensive Question Bank on Digestive, Respiratory, and Regulatory Systems

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PNB 2265 Exam 3 | COMPREHENSIVE QUESTION
BANK
Human Physiology & Anatomy | Digestive,
Respiratory & Regulatory Systems | 2026/2027
Edition.


DOMAIN 1: GI TRACT ANATOMY & TISSUE ORGANIZATION (6 Questions)

Question 1 (Multiple Choice) Which of the following represents the correct sequence of
structures through which food passes in the alimentary canal?



A. Oral cavity → Pharynx → Esophagus → Stomach → Large intestine → Small intestine → Rectum
→ Anal canal
B. Oral cavity → Pharynx → Esophagus → Stomach → Small intestine → Large intestine → Rectum
→ Anal canal
C. Oral cavity → Esophagus → Pharynx → Stomach → Small intestine → Large intestine → Rectum
→ Anal canal
D. Oral cavity → Pharynx → Stomach → Esophagus → Small intestine → Large intestine → Rectum
→ Anal canal
[CORRECT: B]
Rationale: The alimentary canal follows the sequence: oral cavity (ingestion) → pharynx
(swallowing) → esophagus (propulsion) → stomach (storage and initial digestion) → small
intestine (digestion and absorption) → large intestine (water absorption and feces formation) →
rectum (storage) → anal canal (elimination). The pharynx precedes the esophagus (eliminating
C), and the small intestine precedes the large intestine (eliminating A). The esophagus precedes
the stomach (eliminating D).

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Question 2 (SATA) Which of the following structures are components of the alimentary canal
(gastrointestinal tract proper)? (Select all that apply.)
A. Liver
B. Esophagus
C. Gallbladder
D. Stomach
E. Small intestine
F. Pancreas
G. Large intestine
[CORRECT: B, D, E, G]
Rationale: The alimentary canal consists of the continuous muscular tube from mouth to anus:
esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine . The liver (A), gallbladder (C), and
pancreas (F) are accessory organs that secrete substances into the alimentary canal but are not
part of the continuous digestive tube itself.




1.2 Tissue Layer Organization (2 Questions)
Question 3 (Multiple Choice) From the lumen outward, what is the correct order of tissue layers
in the wall of the alimentary canal?
A. Serosa → Muscularis externa → Submucosa → Mucosa
B. Mucosa → Submucosa → Muscularis externa → Serosa/Adventitia
C. Submucosa → Mucosa → Muscularis externa → Serosa
D. Muscularis externa → Submucosa → Mucosa → Serosa
[CORRECT: B]
Rationale: From the lumen outward, the four histologic layers are: (1) Mucosa (epithelium,
lamina propria, muscularis mucosae), (2) Submucosa (connective tissue, blood/lymphatic

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vessels, Meissner's plexus), (3) Muscularis externa (inner circular, myenteric/Auerbach's plexus,
outer longitudinal), and (4) Serosa (intraperitoneal organs) or Adventitia (retroperitoneal
organs) . The mucosa is the innermost layer in contact with the lumen; the serosa/adventitia is
the outermost layer.




Question 4 (SATA) Which of the following statements accurately describe the tissue layers of the
GI tract? (Select all that apply.)
A. The mucosa contains epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae
B. The submucosa houses the myenteric (Auerbach) plexus
C. The muscularis externa consists of inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers
D. The stomach contains a third muscular layer (inner oblique) not found in other GI regions
E. The serosa secretes serous fluid to reduce friction between organs
F. The Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa
[CORRECT: A, C, D, E, F]
Rationale: The mucosa contains epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae (A) . The
muscularis externa has inner circular and outer longitudinal layers (C), with the stomach adding
a third inner oblique layer for churning (D) . The serosa secretes lubricating fluid (E). Meissner's
plexus is in the submucosa (F), while the myenteric (Auerbach) plexus is between circular and
longitudinal muscle layers of the muscularis externa (B is incorrect).




1.3 Accessory Organs and Peritoneal Membranes (2 Questions)
Question 5 (Multiple Choice) A patient undergoes surgery for a ruptured appendix. The surgeon
notes that the appendix is covered by a thin membrane that also lines the abdominal wall. This
membrane is the:

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A. Mesentery
B. Parietal peritoneum
C. Visceral peritoneum
D. Omentum
[CORRECT: C]
Rationale: The visceral peritoneum covers the surfaces of abdominal organs such as the
appendix, stomach, and intestines . The parietal peritoneum (B) lines the abdominal wall. The
mesentery (A) is a double layer of peritoneum that suspends organs. The omentum (D) is a fatty
peritoneal fold. The key distinction is that visceral peritoneum covers organs, while parietal
peritoneum lines the body wall.




Question 6 (SATA) Which of the following are accessory organs of the digestive system? (Select
all that apply.)
A. Salivary glands
B. Liver
C. Gallbladder
D. Pancreas
E. Duodenum
F. Appendix
[CORRECT: A, B, C, D]
Rationale: Accessory organs of digestion include the salivary glands (secrete saliva/amylase),
liver (produces bile), gallbladder (stores/concentrates bile), and pancreas (secretes digestive
enzymes and bicarbonate) . The duodenum (E) is the first section of the small intestine (part of
the alimentary canal), and the appendix (F) is a lymphoid tissue projection from the cecum—not
an accessory digestive organ.