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Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System (Questions 1-15)
1. Which of the following is the correct order of the alimentary canal structures from
mouth to anus?
A) Pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
B) Esophagus, pharynx, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
C) Pharynx, stomach, esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
D) Esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
Answer: A) Pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
rAtIonALE: The correct sequential order is: mouth → pharynx → esophagus → stomach
→ small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) → large intestine (cecum, colon, rectum)
→ anus.
2. The finger-like projections in the small intestine that greatly increase surface area for
absorption are called:
A) Rugae
B) Villi
C) Cilia
D) Microvilli
, Answer: B) Villi
rAtIonALE: Villi are finger-like projections of the mucosa that increase surface area for
absorption. Microvilli are smaller projections on the epithelial cells (brush border).
Rugae are folds in the stomach. Cilia are hair-like structures in the respiratory tract.
3. Which enzyme, secreted by the salivary glands, begins the chemical breakdown of
carbohydrates?
A) Pepsin
B) Trypsin
C) Amylase
D) Lipase
Answer: C) Amylase
rAtIonALE: Salivary amylase (ptyalin) initiates starch digestion in the mouth. Pepsin
digests proteins in the stomach. Trypsin digests proteins in the small intestine. Lipase
digests fats.
4. The muscular layer of the stomach contains an additional third layer of smooth
muscle that allows for churning and mixing. This layer is called the:
A) Longitudinal layer
B) Circular layer
C) Oblique layer
D) Serosal layer
Answer: C) Oblique layer
AnD AnSwErS wItH rAtIonALES/grADED A+/2026 uPDAtE/100% CorrECt
/InStAnt DownLoAD
Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System (Questions 1-15)
1. Which of the following is the correct order of the alimentary canal structures from
mouth to anus?
A) Pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
B) Esophagus, pharynx, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
C) Pharynx, stomach, esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
D) Esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
Answer: A) Pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum
rAtIonALE: The correct sequential order is: mouth → pharynx → esophagus → stomach
→ small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) → large intestine (cecum, colon, rectum)
→ anus.
2. The finger-like projections in the small intestine that greatly increase surface area for
absorption are called:
A) Rugae
B) Villi
C) Cilia
D) Microvilli
, Answer: B) Villi
rAtIonALE: Villi are finger-like projections of the mucosa that increase surface area for
absorption. Microvilli are smaller projections on the epithelial cells (brush border).
Rugae are folds in the stomach. Cilia are hair-like structures in the respiratory tract.
3. Which enzyme, secreted by the salivary glands, begins the chemical breakdown of
carbohydrates?
A) Pepsin
B) Trypsin
C) Amylase
D) Lipase
Answer: C) Amylase
rAtIonALE: Salivary amylase (ptyalin) initiates starch digestion in the mouth. Pepsin
digests proteins in the stomach. Trypsin digests proteins in the small intestine. Lipase
digests fats.
4. The muscular layer of the stomach contains an additional third layer of smooth
muscle that allows for churning and mixing. This layer is called the:
A) Longitudinal layer
B) Circular layer
C) Oblique layer
D) Serosal layer
Answer: C) Oblique layer
