Digestive Histology Quizzes: Master the Microscopic Anatomy of the Digestive System

Question 1

Which cell type is absent from the gastric mucosa?

Accepted Answer

Stratified squamous epithelium

Answer

Parietal cells

Answer

Chief cells

Answer

Enteroendocrine cells

Question 2

Which histological feature is crucial for the small intestine's exceptional nutrient absorption capacity?

Accepted Answer

Absorptive villi and microvilli

Answer

Absence of goblet cells

Answer

Thin muscularis layer

Answer

Thick serosal layer

Question 3

The primary function of the esophageal mucosa is to:

Accepted Answer

Protect against backflow of stomach contents

Answer

Absorb nutrients

Answer

Secrete digestive enzymes

Answer

Propel food

Question 4

In the stomach wall, gastric pits are located in which layer?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa

Answer

Submucosa

Answer

Muscularis propria

Answer

Serosa

Question 5

Which cells in the stomach are responsible for producing hydrochloric acid?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cells

Answer

Chief cells

Answer

Goblet cells

Answer

Enterochromaffin-like cells

Question 6

Which layer of the large intestine is primarily responsible for water absorption and electrolyte exchange?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa

Answer

Submucosa

Answer

Muscularis externa

Answer

Serosa

Question 7

The presence of lymphoid follicles in the large intestine indicates:

Accepted Answer

Immune surveillance and response

Answer

Hormonal regulation

Answer

Nutrient absorption

Answer

Propulsion of contents

Question 8

Which of the following cell types is NOT found in the liver?

Accepted Answer

Exocrine pancreatic cells

Answer

Hepatocytes

Answer

Stellate cells

Answer

Kupffer cells

Question 9

The gall bladder's primary function is to:

Accepted Answer

Concentrate and store bile

Answer

Secrete bile

Answer

Digest fats

Answer

Absorb vitamins

Question 10

Which cells secrete pepsinogen in the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Chief cells

Answer

Parietal cells

Answer

Enteroendocrine cells

Answer

Goblet cells

Question 11

In which layer of the intestinal wall is the submucosal nerve plexus (Meissner's plexus) located?

Accepted Answer

Submucosa

Answer

Mucosa

Answer

Muscularis externa

Answer

Serosa

Question 12

What is the primary function of mucosal folds in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Increased surface area for absorption

Answer

Mucus secretion

Answer

Hormone production

Answer

Waste product transport

Question 13

Which organ produces bile?

Accepted Answer

Liver

Answer

Pancreas

Answer

Gallbladder

Answer

Duodenum

Question 14

What is the specialized lymphatic vessel network that drains the small intestine called?

Accepted Answer

Lacteals

Answer

Mesenteric veins

Answer

Lymphatic capillaries

Answer

Thoracic duct

Question 15

Which hormone induces contraction of the gallbladder?

Accepted Answer

Cholecystokinin

Answer

Secretin

Answer

Pancreozymin

Answer

Gastrin

Question 16

What is the primary function of the pancreas?

Accepted Answer

Digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

Answer

Regulation of blood glucose levels

Answer

Immune system defense

Answer

Storage of bile

Question 17

Describe the histological organization of the pancreas and explain how it relates to its multiple functions, including exocrine enzyme secretion and hormone production. Discuss the regulatory mechanisms involved in these processes.

Accepted Answer

The pancreas is organized into acini, which secrete digestive enzymes into ducts, and islets of Langerhans, which secrete hormones into the bloodstream. This arrangement allows for both exocrine and endocrine functions.

Answer

The pancreas is composed solely of acinar cells, which are responsible for both enzyme secretion and hormone production.

Answer

The pancreas is organized into lobules, which contain both acinar cells and islet cells. However, only the acinar cells produce enzymes, while the islet cells are responsible for regulating enzyme secretion.

Answer

The pancreas does not have a specific histological organization and its functions are controlled solely by external factors.

Question 18

Identify the key histological adaptations of the large intestine that facilitate its primary function of fluid and electrolyte absorption.

Accepted Answer

Simple columnar epithelium without goblet cells and no villi

Answer

Simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells and villi

Answer

Stratified squamous epithelium without goblet cells and no villi

Answer

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells and villi

Question 19

Which layer of the esophageal wall is primarily responsible for preventing acid reflux back into the lumen?

Accepted Answer

Lower esophageal sphincter

Answer

Mucosa

Answer

Muscularis externa

Answer

Adventitia

Question 20

Select the type of epithelial cells lining the gastric pits that produce mucin:

Accepted Answer

Mucous neck cells

Answer

Goblet cells

Answer

Parietal cells

Answer

Chief cells

Question 21

Identify the histological feature that is absent from the small intestine compared to the stomach:

Accepted Answer

Gastric pits

Answer

Brush border

Answer

Villi

Answer

Crypts of Lieberkühn

Question 22

Identify the cell type in the lamina propria of the digestive tract that is responsible for antibody production:

Accepted Answer

Plasma cell

Answer

Eosinophil

Answer

Macrophage

Answer

Lymphocyte

Question 23

Which layer of the gallbladder wall is responsible for contraction and expulsion of bile?

Accepted Answer

Muscularis

Answer

Mucosa

Answer

Submucosa

Answer

Serosa

Question 24

Identify the primary function associated with the liver:

Accepted Answer

Metabolism and detoxification

Answer

Immune surveillance

Answer

Hormone production

Answer

Adipogenesis

Question 25

Which specialized liver cell type is known for its phagocytic activity?

Accepted Answer

Kupffer cell

Answer

Stellate cell

Answer

Hepatocyte

Question 26

Identify the histological feature characteristic of the appendix:

Accepted Answer

Numerous lymphoid follicles

Answer

Villi and crypts of Lieberkühn

Answer

Goblet cells

Answer

Parietal cells

Question 27

Which histological feature characterizes the esophageal mucosa?

Accepted Answer

Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

Answer

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

Answer

Simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells

Answer

Cuboidal epithelium

Question 28

Which layer of the small intestine is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption?

Accepted Answer

Mucosa

Answer

Muscularis externa

Answer

Submucosa

Question 29

Which cell type in the small intestine secretes the lactase enzyme?

Accepted Answer

Enterocytes

Answer

Goblet cells

Answer

M cells

Answer

Paneth cells

Question 30

Where is the muscularis mucosae located within the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Between the lamina propria and the submucosa

Answer

Contains the Meissner's plexus

Answer

Forms the outermost layer of the digestive tract wall

Answer

Responsible for propelling food through the digestive tract

Question 31

Which of the following is not a function of the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Excretion of waste products

Answer

Ingestion of food

Answer

Digestion of food

Answer

Absorption of nutrients

Question 32

Identify the structure responsible for regulating the flow of food from the stomach to the small intestine:

Accepted Answer

Pyloric sphincter

Answer

Anal sphincter

Answer

Cardiac sphincter

Answer

Ileocecal valve

Question 33

Which part of the digestive system serves as the primary site for nutrient absorption?

Accepted Answer

Small intestine

Answer

Stomach

Answer

Esophagus

Answer

Large intestine

Question 34

The esophageal wall is comprised of several distinct layers. Which of the following is NOT a layer found in the esophageal wall?

Accepted Answer

Serosa

Answer

Mucosa

Answer

Muscularis externa

Answer

Submucosa

Question 35

The gastric glands responsible for secreting pepsinogen are called:

Accepted Answer

Chief cells

Answer

Mucous neck cells

Answer

Enteroendocrine cells

Answer

Parietal cells

Question 36

Which of the following intestinal cell types is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption?

Accepted Answer

Enterocyte

Answer

Enteroendocrine cell

Answer

Paneth cell

Answer

Goblet cell

Question 37

The pancreas is both an endocrine and an exocrine gland. Which of the following cells is responsible for the exocrine function?

Accepted Answer

Acinar cells

Answer

Delta cells

Answer

Beta cells

Answer

Alpha cells

Question 38

Which of the following is a histological feature of acute pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Neutrophilic infiltration

Answer

Fibrosis

Answer

Cyst formation

Answer

Adenocarcinoma

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT a component of the hepatic triad?

Accepted Answer

Lymphatic vessel

Answer

Hepatic artery

Answer

Portal vein

Answer

Bile ductule

Question 40

The esophagus propels food toward the stomach through coordinated muscle contractions. Which of the following layers is responsible for this peristaltic movement?

Accepted Answer

Muscularis externa

Answer

Adventitia

Answer

Submucosa

Answer

Mucosa

Question 41

The small intestine possesses various glands that contribute to digestion. Which of the following is NOT a type of intestinal gland found in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Gastric gland

Answer

Paneth cells

Answer

Crypts of Lieberkühn

Answer

Brunner's glands

Question 42

The small intestine is characterized by villi, finger-like projections that extend into the lumen. What is the primary function of these villi?

Accepted Answer

Increase surface area for nutrient absorption

Answer

Protection against pathogens

Answer

Production of hormones

Answer

Secretion of digestive enzymes

Question 43

The large intestine exhibits distinct histological features, including the teniae coli, which are three longitudinal bands of muscle. In which layer of the large intestine are these teniae coli located?

Accepted Answer

Muscularis externa

Answer

Submucosa

Answer

Mucosa

Answer

Serosa

Question 44

Gastric glands, responsible for secreting gastric juice, can be categorized as simple or compound. What is the key distinction between these two types of glands?

Accepted Answer

Simple glands have a single type of secretory cell, while compound glands have multiple types.

Answer

Simple glands secrete gastric juice, while compound glands secrete mucus.

Answer

Simple glands are tubular, while compound glands are alveolar.

Answer

Simple glands are found in the fundus, while compound glands are found in the antrum.

Question 45

The enteric nervous system, often referred to as the 'second brain,' plays a crucial role in digestive function. What is the primary function of this intricate network of neurons within the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Regulates local digestive processes, such as motility and secretion, independently of the central nervous system.

Answer

Controls hormone secretion from endocrine cells in the digestive tract.

Answer

Provides sensory information to the brain about the digestive process.

Answer

Regulates blood flow to the digestive organs.

Question 46

Absorptive cells in the small intestine are specialized for efficient nutrient uptake. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of these absorptive cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of microvilli on their apical surface, increasing surface area for absorption

Answer

Produces mucus for lubrication

Answer

Secretes digestive enzymes for nutrient breakdown

Answer

Stores fat droplets absorbed from digested food

Question 47

Which specialized cells in the gastric mucosa are responsible for the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl)?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cells

Answer

Goblet cells

Answer

Enteroendocrine cells

Answer

Chief cells

Question 48

In the stomach, which cell type is responsible for producing hydrochloric acid (HCl)?

Accepted Answer

Parietal cells

Answer

Enteroendocrine cells

Answer

Goblet cells

Answer

Chief cells

Question 49

The presence of villi and microvilli in the small intestine primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Increase surface area for efficient nutrient absorption

Answer

Aid in movement of food through the digestive tract

Answer

Secrete digestive enzymes

Answer

Protect from gastric acid

Question 50

What is the primary function of the muscularis propria layer within the digestive tract?

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis and segmentation

Answer

Secretion of digestive enzymes

Answer

Protection from pathogens

Answer

Nutrient absorption

Question 51

Which of the following histological features is characteristically found in the esophagus?

Accepted Answer

Stratified squamous epithelium

Answer

Simple columnar epithelium

Answer

Goblet cells

Answer

Villi and microvilli

Question 52

The presence of Peyer's patches in the ileum is indicative of:

Accepted Answer

Immune surveillance of the gut

Answer

Enhanced nutrient absorption

Answer

Secretion of digestive enzymes

Answer

Protection against physical damage

Question 53

Which layer is NOT present in the structure of the stomach?

Accepted Answer

Serosa

Answer

Mucosa

Answer

Submucosa

Question 54

In which part of the digestive system are the crypts of Lieberkühn found?

Accepted Answer

Small intestine

Answer

Esophagus

Answer

Stomach

Answer

Large intestine

Question 55

What is the main function of the Brunner's glands in the duodenum?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of alkaline mucus

Answer

Nutrient absorption

Answer

Digestive enzyme production

Question 56

Which part of the digestive tract has the most prominent presence of goblet cells?

Accepted Answer

Large intestine

Answer

Stomach

Answer

Esophagus

Answer

Duodenum

Question 57

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the epithelium lining the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Presence of villi

Answer

Simple columnar epithelium

Answer

Abundant goblet cells

Answer

Presence of crypts