-
Question 1
Incorrect
-
Regarding water and electrolyte absorption in the small intestine, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Na+/K+ ATPase located on the basolateral membrane of the epithelial cells pumps three Na+ ions from the cell in exchange for two K+ ions in.
Correct Answer: Na+ enters the cell across the apical membrane against its concentration gradient by both membrane channels and transporter protein mechanisms.
Explanation:As the contents of the intestine are isotonic with body fluids and mostly have the same concentration of the major electrolytes, their absorption is active. Water cannot be moved directly, but follows osmotic gradients set up by the transport of ions, primarily mediated by the sodium pump.Na+/K+ ATPase located on the basolateral membrane of the epithelial cells pumps three Na+ ions from the cell in exchange for two K+ ions, against their respective concentration gradients. This leads to a low intracellular concentration of Na+ and a high intracellular concentration of K+. The low intracellular concentration of Na+ ensures a movement of Na+ from the intestinal contents into the cell down its concentration gradient by both membrane channels and transporter protein mechanisms. Na+ is then rapidly pumped again by the basolateral sodium pump. K+ leaves the cell across the basolateral membrane down its concentration gradient linked to an outward movement of Cl- against its concentration gradient (Cl- having entered the cell across the luminal membrane down its concentration gradient).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 2
Correct
-
Regarding antacids, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Antacids should not be taken at the same time as other drugs as they impair absorption.
Explanation:Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they may impair absorption. Antacids act by neutralising stomach acid. They are used for symptomatic relief in dyspepsia, but are not first line for proven peptic ulcer disease where antisecretory drugs have a better healing effect. Magnesium-containing antacids tend to be laxative whereas aluminium-containing antacids tend to be constipating. Antacids are contraindicated in hypophosphataemia.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 3
Correct
-
Which of the following is NOT a function of the commensal intestinal bacterial flora:
Your Answer: Breakdown of haem into bilirubin
Explanation:Commensal intestinal bacterial flora have a role in:Keeping pathogenic bacteria at bay by competing for space and nutrientConverting conjugated bilirubin to urobilinogen (some of which is reabsorbed and excreted in urine) and stercobilinogen which is excreted in the faecesThe synthesis of vitamins K, B12, thiamine and riboflavinThe breakdown of primary bile acids to secondary bile acidsThe breakdown of cholesterol, some food additives and drugs
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 4
Correct
-
Question 5
Correct
-
During swallowing, which of the following structures primarily closes the tracheal opening:
Your Answer: Epiglottis
Explanation:The vocal cords of the larynx are strongly
approximated, and the larynx is pulled upward
and anteriorly by the neck muscles. These actions,
combined with the presence of ligaments that
prevent upward movement of the epiglottis, cause
the epiglottis to swing back over the opening
of the larynx. All these effects acting together
prevent the passage of food into the nose and
trachea. Most essential is the tight approximation
of the vocal cords, but the epiglottis helps to
prevent food from ever getting as far as the vocal
cords. Destruction of the vocal cords or of the
muscles that approximate them can cause
strangulation. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 6
Correct
-
Question 7
Correct
-
Bile acids are essential for the digestion and absorption of which of the following:
Your Answer: Lipids and fat-soluble vitamins
Explanation:Bile acids are synthesised from cholesterol by hepatocyte and excreted into bile. Bile acids are essential for lipid digestion and absorption. Of the bile acids excreted into the intestine, about 95% are reabsorbed into the portal circulation by active transport mechanisms in the distal ileum and recycled by the liver. Many of the bile salts are reabsorbed unaltered, some are converted by intestinal bacteria into secondary bile acids (deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid) and then reabsorbed and a small proportion escapes reabsorption and is excreted in the faeces.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 8
Correct
-
All of the following statements are correct with regards to protection of the gastric mucosa except which of the following?
Your Answer: NSAIDs directly stimulate increased parietal cell acid production.
Explanation:Prostaglandin production, which usually inhibits acid secretion and increases mucus and bicarbonate secretion, is inhibited by NSAIDs.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 9
Correct
-
Which of the following is required for vitamin B12 absorption:
Your Answer: Intrinsic factor
Explanation:Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of the small amounts of vitamin B12 normally present in the diet from the terminal ileum. The parietal cells of the stomach produce intrinsic factor, and following a gastrectomy, the absorption of vitamin B12 will be markedly reduced, and a deficiency state will exist.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 10
Correct
-
Intrinsic factor is secreted by which of the following cell types in the stomach:
Your Answer: Parietal cells
Explanation:Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of the small amounts of vitamin B12 normally present in the diet from the terminal ileum. The parietal cells of the stomach produce intrinsic factor, and following a gastrectomy, the absorption of vitamin B12 will be markedly reduced, and a deficiency state will exist.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 11
Incorrect
-
Regarding inflammatory bowel disease, acute mild to moderate disease of the rectum or rectosigmoid should be treated initially with:
Your Answer: Oral aminosalicylate
Correct Answer: Local aminosalicylate
Explanation:Acute mild to moderate disease affecting the rectum (proctitis) or the rectosigmoid is treated initially with local application of an aminosalicylate; alternatively, a local corticosteroid can be used but it is less effective. A combination of a local aminosalicylate and a local corticosteroid can be used for proctitis that does not respond to a local aminosalicylate alone.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 12
Correct
-
By what mechanism does Vibrio cholerae causes diarrhoea?
Your Answer: Increases Cl- secretory channels in crypt cells
Explanation:Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria infecting the bowel. Ingesting cholera-infected food or drink is the a way to contract the disease. In the intestinal crypt cells, the toxigenic bacterium Vibrio cholera activates adenylate cyclase and raises cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).
cAMP stimulates the Cl-secretory channels in crypt cells, resulting in the secretion of chloride with sodium ions and water. The toxin it produces causes the body to secrete massive amounts of water, resulting in diarrhoea and significant fluid and electrolyte loss.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 13
Correct
-
Regarding bile, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Bile passes into the duodenum through the ampulla of Vater.
Explanation:Bile is synthesised in the liver. Bile functions to eliminate endogenous and exogenous substances from the liver, to neutralise gastric acid in the small intestine, and to emulsify fats in the small intestine and facilitate their digestion and absorption. Bile is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. Bile passes out of the gallbladder via the cystic duct. Bile passes into the duodenum through the ampulla of Vater regulated by the sphincter of Oddi.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 14
Incorrect
-
Gastric emptying is increased by all of the following EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Parasympathetic stimulation
Correct Answer: Secretin
Explanation:Gastric emptying is increased by:
Distension of the pyloric antrum
A fall in the pH of chyme in the stomach
Parasympathetic stimulation (via vagus)
Gastrin
The hormones secretin, cholecystokinin and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) inhibit gastric emptying. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 15
Correct
-
Which of the following is the site of secretion of intrinsic factor:
Your Answer: Stomach
Explanation:Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of the small amounts of vitamin B12 normally present in the diet from the terminal ileum. The parietal cells of the stomach produce intrinsic factor, and following a gastrectomy, the absorption of vitamin B12 will be markedly reduced, and a deficiency state will exist.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 16
Correct
-
Regarding bile, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: The sphincter of Oddi contracts to force bile from the gallbladder into the duodenum.
Explanation:Bile is secreted by hepatocytes. It is isotonic and resembles plasma ionically. This fraction of bile is called the bile acid-dependent fraction. As it passes along the bile duct, the bile is modified by epithelial cells lining the duct by the addition of water and bicarbonate ions; this fraction is called the bile acid-independent fraction. Overall, the liver can produce 500 – 1000 mL of bile per day. The bile is either discharged directly into the duodenum or stored in the gallbladder. The bile acid-independent fraction is made at the time it is required i.e. during digestion of chyme. The bile acid-dependent fraction is made when the bile salts are returned from the GI tract to the liver, and is then stored in the gallbladder until needed. The gallbladder not only stores bile but concentrates it by removing non-essential solutes and water, leaving bile acids and pigments, mainly by active transport of Na+into the intercellular spaces of the lining cells which, in turn, draws in water, HCO3-and Cl-from the bile and into the extracellular fluid. Within a few minutes of a meal, particularly when fatty foods have been consumed, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the bile duct. The sphincter of Oddi is relaxed, allowing the bile to pass into the duodenum through the ampulla of Vater.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 17
Correct
-
Antispasmodic drugs are primarily indicated in which of the following conditions:
Your Answer: Irritable bowel syndrome
Explanation:Antispasmodics, such as antimuscarinics, may be used in the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Other antispasmodics used include direct-acting smooth muscle relaxants such as mebeverine, alverine, and peppermint oil. Antispasmodics are contraindicated in bowel obstruction and severe inflammatory bowel disease. Antispasmodics are occasionally of value in treating abdominal cramp associated with diarrhoea but they should not be used for primary treatment. Antispasmodics should be avoided in young children with gastroenteritis because they are rarely effective and have troublesome side effects. Antimuscarinics are contraindicated in urinary retention.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 18
Incorrect
-
Which of the following statements about vitamin B12 absorption is TRUE:
Your Answer: Receptors for the vitamin B12/Intrinsic factor complex are found in the duodenum allowing uptake of vitamin B12.
Correct Answer: On ingestion, vitamin B12 is bound to R protein which protects it from digestion in the stomach.
Explanation:The substance intrinsic factor,
essential for absorption of vitamin B12 in the ileum, is
secreted by the parietal cells along with the secretion of
hydrochloric acid. When the acid-producing parietal
cells of the stomach are destroyed, which frequently
occurs in chronic gastritis, the person develops not only
achlorhydria (lack of stomach acid secretion) but often
also pernicious anaemia because of failure of maturation
of the red blood cells in the absence of vitamin B12 stimulation of the bone marrow. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 19
Correct
-
Regarding fat digestion, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Chylomicrons consist of a cholesterol and triglyceride core with a phospholipid coat studded with apolipoproteins.
Explanation:Dietary fat is chiefly composed of triglycerides. In the duodenum fat is emulsified by bile acids, a process where larger lipid droplets are broken down into much smaller droplets providing a greater surface area for enzymatic digestion. Once inside the epithelial cell, lipid is taken into the smooth endoplasmic reticulum where much of it is re esterified. Dietary and synthesised lipids are then incorporated into chylomicrons in the Golgi body, which are exocytosed from the basolateral membrane to enter lacteals. Chylomicrons consist mainly of triglyceride with small amounts of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in the centre with a phospholipid coat studded with apolipoproteins. Fat-soluble are absorbed into enterocytes from micelles by simple diffusion together with the products of fat digestion.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 20
Correct
-
A patient presents to ED with heartburn for which they already take regular antacids. Which of the following drugs can be affected if taken with antacids:
Your Answer: Digoxin
Explanation:Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they may affect absorption. When antacids are taken with acidic drugs (e.g. digoxin, phenytoin, chlorpromazine, isoniazid) they cause the absorption of the acidic drugs to be decreased, which causes low blood concentrations of the drugs, which ultimately results in reduced effects of the drugs. Antacids taken with drugs such as pseudoephedrine and levodopa increase absorption of the drugs and can cause toxicity/adverse events due to increased blood levels of the drugs. Antacids that contain magnesium trisilicate and magnesium hydroxide when taken with some other medications (such as tetracycline) will bind to the drugs, and reduce their absorption and effects.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 21
Correct
-
Regarding saliva, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Saliva production is decreased by inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Explanation:At rest, saliva is predominantly produced by the submandibular gland (65%) but when stimulated, the parotid glands produce a higher proportion of the total saliva production (50%) than at rest. Saliva is alkaline and hypotonic to plasma. The predominant digestive enzymes in saliva are alpha-amylase and lingual lipase; lingual lipase is not functionally very important, but alpha-amylase is important for the initiation of starch digestion. Saliva production is decreased by inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system e.g. by sleep, dehydration, anticholinergic drugs and fear.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 22
Correct
-
Regarding bile acids, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: The main primary bile acids are deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid.
Explanation:Bile acids have a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic end and in aqueous solution, bile salts orient themselves around droplets of lipid forming micelles to keep the lipid droplets dispersed. The principal primary bile acids are cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid. They are made more soluble by conjugation with taurine or glycine in the liver. Of the bile acids excreted into the intestine, about 95% are reabsorbed into the portal circulation by active transport mechanisms in the distal ileum and recycled by the liver.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 23
Correct
-
A 33 year old female patient presents to emergency room with some symptoms that she thinks might be due to a drug that she has recently started. She was started on hyoscine butyl bromide for symptomatic relief of irritable bowel syndrome. The least likely expected side effect of this drug in this patient is:
Your Answer: Diarrhoea
Explanation:One of the commonest antispasmodic medications that is used is hyoscine butylbromide. It is an antimuscarinic and typical side effects of this class of drugs include:
– dilation of pupils with loss of accommodation (cycloplegia)
-photophobia resulting in blurred vision (Blind as a bat)
-dry mouth, eyes and skin (Dry as a bone),
-elevated temperature (Hot as a hare)
-skin flushing (Red as a beet)
-confusion or agitation particularly in the elderly (Mad as a hatter)
-reduced bronchial secretions
-transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia, palpitation and arrhythmias
-urinary retention and/or constipation -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Pharmacology
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
Pancreatic ductal alkaline fluid secretion is mainly stimulated by which of the following hormones:
Your Answer: Cholecystokinin
Correct Answer: Secretin
Explanation:Pancreatic exocrine secretion is controlled by:
Parasympathetic stimulation which enhances secretion of both the enzyme and aqueous components
Sympathetic stimulation which inhibits pancreatic secretion
Secretin which stimulates secretion of the alkaline-rich fluid from ductal cells
Cholecystokinin which stimulates secretion of the enzyme-rich fluid from acinar cellsSomatostatin which inhibits secretion from both acinar and ductal cells
Gastrin which stimulates pancreatic acinar cells to secrete digestive enzymes -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 25
Correct
-
Intrinsic factor is vital for gastrointestinal absorption of which of the following:
Your Answer: Vitamin B12
Explanation:Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of the small amounts of vitamin B12 normally present in the diet from the terminal ileum. The parietal cells of the stomach produce intrinsic factor, and following a gastrectomy, the absorption of vitamin B12 will be markedly reduced, and a deficiency state will exist.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 26
Correct
-
Regarding defaecation, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Colonic mass movement occurs shortly after a meal due to distension of the stomach and duodenum.
Explanation:Colonic mass movement describes the intense contraction that begins halfway along the transverse colon and pushes the intestinal contents in the proximal colon towards the rectum. It occurs shortly after a meal due to distension of the stomach and duodenum as part of the gastrocolic reflex and if faeces is present in the rectum, stimulates the urge to defecate. Distention of the rectum causes firing of afferent cholinergic parasympathetic fibres. The internal sphincter is made up of circular smooth muscle innervated by the autonomic fibres, and the more distal external sphincter is composed of striated muscle innervated by motor fibres from the pudendal nerve. During defaecation, relaxation of pelvic muscles straightens the rectum.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 27
Incorrect
-
Gastric emptying is inhibited by all of the following EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Cholecystokinin
Correct Answer: Parasympathetic stimulation
Explanation:Gastric emptying is decreased by:
Enterogastric inhibitory reflexes stimulated by – Distension of the duodenum, The presence of fats in the duodenum (by stimulating release of cholecystokinin), A fall in the pH of chyme in the duodenum, An increase in the osmolality of chyme in the duodenum, Irritation of the mucosal lining of the duodenum, Hormones: Cholecystokinin, Secretin -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 28
Incorrect
-
Regarding gastric motility and emptying, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: A high pH in the duodenum inhibits gastric emptying.
Correct Answer: Gastric emptying is inhibited by the presence of the products of fat digestion in the duodenum.
Explanation:Gastric emptying is decreased by the presence of fats in the duodenum (by stimulating release of cholecystokinin). Mixing of the food with gastric secretions takes place in the distal body and antrum of the stomach where the muscularis externa layer is thicker. The stomach has an additional inner oblique smooth muscle layer (in addition to the inner circular layer and outer longitudinal layer). Gastric emptying is increased by a low gastric pH and decreased by a low duodenal pH.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 29
Correct
-
Which of the following cell types in the stomach secretes histamine?
Your Answer: Enterochromaffin-like cells
Explanation:The parietal cells operate in close association with another type of cell called enterochromaffin-like cells (ECL cells), the primary function of which is to secrete histamine. The ECL cells lie in the deep recesses of the oxyntic glands and therefore release histamine indirect contact with the parietal cells of the glands.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
-
Question 30
Incorrect
-
Surface area of the absorptive surface in the small intestine is increased by all but which of the following:
Your Answer: Villi
Correct Answer: Teniae coli
Explanation:Factors increasing the surface area include:The small intestine is very long – about 5 m in length.The inner wall of the small intestine is covered by numerous folds of mucous membrane called plicae circulares.The lining of the small intestine is folded into many finger-like projections called villi.The surface of the villi is covered with a layer of epithelial cells which, in turn, have many small projections called microvilli that project towards the lumen of the intestine (forming the brush border).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Physiology
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
