Test Your Knowledge With Our Nutrition Physiology Quiz
The Nutrition Physiology Quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the vital role that nutrients play in the body's overall function. This quiz will test your knowledge of digestion, metabolism, and the absorption of nutrients. Key topics include the role of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water in maintaining optimal health.
You will explore how these nutrients are utilized by the body for energy, growth, and repair, as well as how they affect various physiological processes. Ideal for students and anyone interested in nutrition science, this quiz provides insights into the complex interactions between diet and physiology. The Read morequestions are structured to reflect key principles of human nutrition and health, making it a comprehensive test of your knowledge in this important field.
Nutrition Physiology Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which hormone stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver?
- A.
Gastrin
- B.
Secretin
- C.
Cholecystokinin
- D.
Enterogastrone
Correct Answer
C. CholecystokininExplanation
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone released by the small intestine in response to fatty acids and amino acids in the chyme. It triggers the pancreas to release digestive enzymes and stimulates the gallbladder to release bile. Gastrin primarily stimulates acid secretion in the stomach, while secretin triggers bicarbonate release from the pancreas to neutralize stomach acid. Enterogastrone is not a specific hormone but a general term for substances that inhibit gastric activity.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What term describes the coordinated contraction and relaxation of muscles along the GI tract that pushes food forward?
- A.
Segmentation
- B.
Mastication
- C.
Peristalsis
- D.
Deglutition
Correct Answer
C. PeristalsisExplanation
Peristalsis refers to the rhythmic, wave-like contractions that occur in the walls of the GI tract, moving food along from the esophagus to the intestines. This involuntary action is crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption. Segmentation involves mixing contractions within the intestines, mastication is chewing, and deglutition is the act of swallowing.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Where are water and electrolytes mainly absorbed in the digestive system?
- A.
Stomach
- B.
Large intestine
- C.
Small intestine
- D.
Liver
Correct Answer
B. Large intestineExplanation
The large intestine is primarily responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from undigested food material. While the small intestine absorbs most nutrients and some water, the large intestine reabsorbs water and salts to form solid waste. The stomach is involved in protein digestion, and the liver aids in detoxification and bile production, not absorption.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Salivary amylase secreted into the mouth starts the digestion of which nutrient?
- A.
Proteins
- B.
Starch
- C.
Lipids
- D.
Nucleic acids
Correct Answer
B. StarchExplanation
Salivary amylase, produced by the salivary glands, begins breaking down starches into maltose and dextrins in the mouth. This enzyme does not act on proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids, as these require different enzymes and a lower pH to be digested effectively.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is the primary role of the liver in aiding digestion?
- A.
Secretes digestive enzymes
- B.
Secretes alkaline solution to neutralize stomach acidity
- C.
Secretes bile to emulsify fats in the small intestine
- D.
Secretes substances that aid the large intestine in water absorption
Correct Answer
C. Secretes bile to emulsify fats in the small intestineExplanation
The liver produces bile, which helps emulsify fats in the small intestine, allowing for efficient breakdown by lipases. While the pancreas secretes enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid, bile production and fat emulsification are the liver’s primary roles in digestion.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is the function of the pyloric sphincter?
- A.
To regulate the release of bile
- B.
To regulate the release of pancreatic enzymes
- C.
To regulate the release of food from the stomach to the small intestine
- D.
To regulatethe release of waste products from the large intestine
Correct Answer
C. To regulate the release of food from the stomach to the small intestineExplanation
The pyloric sphincter is a muscular valve that controls the passage of partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach to the small intestine. It prevents backflow and regulates the pace of digestion. It does not control bile, pancreatic enzymes, or waste release from the large intestine.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which enzyme in the human body starts the digestion of proteins?
- A.
Trypsin
- B.
Lactose
- C.
Pepsin
- D.
Chymotrypsin
Correct Answer
C. PepsinExplanation
Pepsin, produced in the stomach, is the primary enzyme that initiates protein digestion by breaking down protein chains into smaller peptides. It functions optimally in the acidic environment of the stomach. Trypsin and chymotrypsin, produced in the pancreas, continue protein digestion in the small intestine, while lactase breaks down lactose.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which hydrolytic enzymes react in a low pH environment?
- A.
Lactase
- B.
Hydrolases
- C.
Amylases
- D.
Proteases
Correct Answer
D. ProteasesExplanation
Proteases, such as pepsin in the stomach, are active in a low pH environment, which aids in the breakdown of protein molecules. Amylases and lactase require neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels to function, and "hydrolases" is a general term for enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis reactions without specifying an acidic environment.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following salivary glands is absent in humans?
- A.
Parotid
- B.
Submaxillary
- C.
Infra-orbital
- D.
Sublingual
Correct Answer
C. Infra-orbitalExplanation
Infra-orbital glands are not present in humans. Humans have three major salivary glands: the parotid, submaxillary (submandibular), and sublingual glands. These glands produce saliva, which contains enzymes like amylase for carbohydrate digestion, and play an essential role in moistening food for swallowing.Rate this question:
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- 10.
From which part of the alimentary canal is the rennin enzyme secreted?
- A.
Stomach
- B.
Small intestine
- C.
Pancreas
- D.
Duodenum
Correct Answer
A. StomachExplanation
Rennin, also known as chymosin, is an enzyme produced in the stomach, specifically in infants, to curdle milk, slowing its passage and allowing for proper digestion. In adults, rennin is generally absent, and pepsin takes over protein digestion in the stomach. This enzyme is crucial for milk digestion during early development.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What is the primary protein found in milk?
- A.
Rennin
- B.
Galactose
- C.
Glycine
- D.
Casein
Correct Answer
D. CaseinExplanation
Casein is the primary protein in milk, constituting about 80% of milk proteins. It provides essential amino acids and calcium and plays a crucial role in muscle and tissue development. Rennin (also known as chymosin) is an enzyme, not a protein, that aids in curdling milk in infants. Galactose is a simple sugar in milk, and glycine is an amino acid found in various proteins but not specifically associated with milk.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which cell type is responsible for mucus secretion in the digestive tract?
- A.
Perietal cell
- B.
Oxyntic cell
- C.
Chief cell
- D.
Goblet cell
Correct Answer
D. Goblet cellExplanation
Goblet cells, found throughout the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts, produce mucus to protect the epithelial lining from digestive enzymes and mechanical damage. Mucus also helps trap particles and pathogens, aiding in immune defense. Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid in the stomach, oxyntic cells produce gastric acid, and chief cells release pepsinogen, a precursor to the enzyme pepsin for protein digestion.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What is the normal pH range of human saliva?
- A.
1.2–3.2
- B.
4.3-5.8
- C.
6.8-7.2
- D.
7.2-8
Correct Answer
C. 6.8-7.2Explanation
Human saliva has a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically ranging from 6.8 to 7.2, which is ideal for the function of enzymes like salivary amylase that start carbohydrate digestion. This pH also helps maintain oral health by inhibiting harmful bacteria while supporting beneficial bacteria. Lower or higher pH levels may disrupt this balance, leading to dental and digestive issues.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What term describes organisms that consume members of their own species?
- A.
Dead bodies
- B.
Blood
- C.
Members of own species
- D.
Fishes
Correct Answer
C. Members of own speciesExplanation
Cannibalism is the act of consuming individuals of one’s own species. In nature, cannibalism occurs in certain species as a survival strategy during scarcity or as a behavior for population control. In human society, however, cannibalism is culturally taboo and rare. Cannibalistic behaviors can be found in various animals, including fish, insects, and mammals, under specific environmental or social conditions.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Digestion of which nutrient is most likely to be impaired if the pH of the stomach becomes basic?
- A.
Carbohydrate
- B.
Fat
- C.
Lipids
- D.
Protein
Correct Answer
D. ProteinExplanation
Protein digestion is highly dependent on the acidic environment in the stomach, where the enzyme pepsin requires a low pH to function effectively. A basic stomach pH would inhibit pepsin's activity, impeding protein breakdown. The stomach's acidity also helps denature proteins, making them easier for enzymes to act upon. Carbohydrate and lipid digestion primarily occur in the small intestine, where a neutral to slightly basic environment is maintained.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Nov 19, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Oct 23, 2024Quiz Created by
Alfredhook3
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