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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Test Your Digestive and Respiratory System Know-How

Dive into our digestive system quiz and respiratory system quiz - ace questions on enzymes, airflow, and more!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style digestive and respiratory quiz illustration on coral background showing stomach lungs enzymes airflow motifs

Ready to conquer your knowledge of how we breathe, digest, and thrive? Our free digestive and respiratory quiz invites students, enthusiasts, and future health pros to challenge themselves on the complexities of the human digestive and respiratory systems. From enzyme action to airflow mechanics, you'll test key concepts - like identifying what pancreatic juice does not contain __________ - and compare your score on our digestive system quiz and respiratory system quiz. Explore our breathing system quiz for deeper lung insights, or take a quick detour to review the digestive and urinary system basics. Ready to learn, compete, and grow? Click below and start the quiz now!

Where does carbohydrate digestion begin?
Mouth
Stomach
Small intestine
Pancreas
Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth when salivary amylase breaks down starch into simpler sugars. The process continues later in the small intestine with pancreatic amylase. Early digestion in the mouth enables more efficient nutrient processing downstream. Source
Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea?
Epiglottis
Larynx
Pharynx
Uvula
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that closes over the trachea during swallowing, directing food into the esophagus. Without this mechanism, aspiration into the lungs could occur. Dysfunction can lead to choking or respiratory infections. Source
Which organ stores bile produced by the liver?
Gallbladder
Pancreas
Stomach
Duodenum
Bile is synthesized in the liver and then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until it is released into the duodenum. This storage allows for regulated release during fat digestion. Impaired gallbladder function can lead to digestive problems. Source
What is the primary function of alveoli?
Gas exchange
Sound production
Filtering bacteria
Production of mucus
Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out. Their thin walls and extensive capillary network optimize gas exchange. While they produce surfactant, their main role is exchange of respiratory gases. Source
Which enzyme breaks down proteins in the stomach?
Pepsin
Lipase
Lactase
Amylase
Pepsin is secreted as pepsinogen by chief cells and activated by stomach acid to digest proteins into peptides. It operates optimally in the acidic pH of the stomach. Other enzymes like lipase and amylase target different substrates. Source
Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor for absorption in the small intestine?
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin K
Vitamin B12 binds to intrinsic factor, a protein produced by parietal cells, to be absorbed in the ileum. Without intrinsic factor, B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia can result. Other vitamins are absorbed by different mechanisms. Source
Which part of the respiratory system is known as the voice box?
Larynx
Trachea
Pharynx
Bronchi
The larynx houses the vocal cords and is responsible for sound production. Air passing through the vocal cords causes them to vibrate, generating voice. It also protects the lower airway during swallowing. Source
What is the main muscle involved in inspiration?
Diaphragm
Intercostal muscles
Abdominal muscles
Serratus anterior
The diaphragm contracts and moves downward during inspiration, increasing thoracic volume and drawing air into the lungs. Intercostals assist by lifting the ribs. Diaphragm function is essential for efficient breathing. Source
Where does most nutrient absorption occur?
Small intestine
Stomach
Large intestine
Liver
The small intestine, particularly the jejunum and ileum, has a large surface area from villi and microvilli, enabling efficient absorption of nutrients. The stomach absorbs very few nutrients, and the large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes. Source
What is the acidic fluid secreted by the stomach called?
Gastric juice
Bile
Pancreatic juice
Chyme
Gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes like pepsin, aiding protein digestion and killing pathogens. It’s secreted by gastric glands in the stomach lining. Chyme refers to the mixture of food and digestive juices. Source
Which salivary gland is located beneath the lower jaw?
Submandibular gland
Parotid gland
Sublingual gland
Thyroid gland
The submandibular gland lies beneath the lower jaw and produces both serous and mucous secretions. The parotid is anterior to the ear, and the sublingual sits under the tongue. Salivary glands aid in digestion and oral health. Source
What term describes the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract?
Peristalsis
Segmentation
Diffusion
Filtration
Peristalsis consists of coordinated, wave-like muscle contractions pushing contents along the digestive tract. Segmentation mixes contents without net movement. Proper peristalsis is essential for digestion and preventing stagnation. Source
Which substance neutralizes acid entering the duodenum from the stomach?
Bicarbonate
Hydrochloric acid
Pepsin
Bile
Pancreatic and duodenal secretions rich in bicarbonate neutralize the acidic chyme entering from the stomach, protecting the mucosa and creating optimal pH for digestive enzymes. Without neutralization, duodenal ulcers can form. Source
What is the first section of the small intestine?
Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
Cecum
The duodenum is the initial segment of the small intestine, receiving chyme from the stomach along with bile and pancreatic juices. It’s the main site for chemical digestion. Jejunum and ileum follow in sequence. Source
The trachea is reinforced by which type of cartilage?
Hyaline cartilage
Elastic cartilage
Fibrocartilage
Adipose cartilage
Hyaline cartilage forms C-shaped rings that provide structural support to the trachea, keeping it open during breathing. Elastic and fibrocartilage serve other functions elsewhere. These rings also allow flexibility and prevent collapse. Source
Which cells in the respiratory epithelium secrete mucus?
Goblet cells
Type I pneumocytes
Clara cells
Ciliated cells
Goblet cells are mucous-producing epithelial cells lining airways, trapping particles and pathogens. Ciliated cells move this mucus upward to clear debris. Type I pneumocytes primarily facilitate gas exchange. Source
What is the role of the hepatic portal vein?
Transports nutrient-rich blood from GI tract to liver
Delivers oxygenated blood to liver
Drains bile from liver to duodenum
Carries lymph from the liver
The hepatic portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver for processing and detoxification before reaching systemic circulation. Oxygenated blood comes from the hepatic artery. Proper portal function is critical for metabolism. Source
Which hormone stimulates gastric acid secretion?
Gastrin
Secretin
Cholecystokinin
Pepsin
Gastrin is secreted by G cells in the stomach antrum and stimulates parietal cells to produce hydrochloric acid. Secretin and cholecystokinin have inhibitory or different roles. Gastrin release is triggered by food presence. Source
Approximately how much total lung capacity does an average adult have?
About 6 liters
2 liters
10 liters
500 milliliters
Total lung capacity, the volume of air in the lungs after maximal inhalation, averages around 6 liters in healthy adults. Factors like age, sex, and fitness can influence this volume. Smaller or larger values usually indicate pathology or athletic conditioning. Source
Which process describes the movement of molecules from high concentration to low concentration without energy?
Diffusion
Active transport
Osmosis
Filtration
Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules down their concentration gradient without energy input. Osmosis is diffusion of water across a membrane. Active transport requires ATP. Diffusion underlies gas exchange in alveoli. Source
Which of the following is not part of the respiratory membrane?
Alveolar macrophages
Type I pneumocytes
Basement membrane
Capillary endothelium
The respiratory membrane consists of alveolar epithelial cells (Type I pneumocytes), their basement membrane, and capillary endothelium. Alveolar macrophages reside within alveoli but are not structural components of the membrane. Their role is immune defense. Source
Pepsinogen is activated to pepsin by which substance?
Hydrochloric acid
Trypsin
Bile salts
Amylase
Chief cells in the stomach secrete pepsinogen, which is activated to pepsin by the acidic environment provided by hydrochloric acid from parietal cells. Trypsin activates zymogens in the small intestine, not the stomach. Source
In what form is most carbon dioxide transported in the blood?
Bicarbonate ions
Carbaminohemoglobin
Dissolved CO2
Carbonic acid
Most CO2 diffuses into red blood cells and is converted to bicarbonate ions by carbonic anhydrase, then transported in plasma. A smaller amount is bound to hemoglobin or dissolved. This buffering system maintains pH. Source
Where is dietary iron primarily absorbed?
Duodenum
Stomach
Jejunum
Ileum
Nonheme and heme iron are absorbed mainly in the duodenum, where enterocytes uptake iron via specific transporters. Gastric acidity aids solubility. Disorders affecting this segment can lead to iron deficiency. Source
Which layer of the digestive tract contains a rich vascular network?
Submucosa
Mucosa
Serosa
Muscularis externa
The submucosa houses blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves, supplying the mucosa and muscularis layers. It provides structural support and allows nutrient uptake into circulation. The mucosa contains glands but fewer large vessels. Source
What is the function of surfactant in the lungs?
Reduce surface tension in alveoli
Increase mucus viscosity
Stimulate ciliary movement
Constrict bronchioles
Surfactant is a phospholipid-seprotein complex secreted by Type II pneumocytes that reduces alveolar surface tension, preventing collapse during exhalation and reducing work of breathing. Deficiency leads to respiratory distress. Source
Brush border enzymes are located on the surface of what?
Microvilli of small intestine
Goblet cells
Lacteals
Enteric neurons
Brush border enzymes like sucrase and lactase are embedded in the membrane of microvilli on enterocytes, completing carbohydrate and peptide digestion. This location maximizes contact with nutrients. Source
Which gas law explains the inverse relationship between volume and pressure during breathing?
Boyle's law
Charles's law
Dalton's law
Henry's law
Boyle's law states that pressure and volume of a gas are inversely related at constant temperature. During inspiration, thoracic volume increases, lowering intrapulmonary pressure and drawing air in. Exhalation reverses this process. Source
Which cells of the stomach produce intrinsic factor?
Parietal cells
Chief cells
G cells
Mucous cells
Parietal cells in the gastric mucosa secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein essential for vitamin B12 absorption in the ileum. Chief cells produce pepsinogen. Intrinsic factor deficiency leads to pernicious anemia. Source
What effect does sympathetic stimulation have on digestion?
Decreases peristalsis
Increases enzyme secretion
Enhances blood flow to GI
Stimulates bile release
Sympathetic activation diverts energy away from digestion by decreasing peristalsis and glandular secretions, and constricting blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract. Parasympathetic stimulation has the opposite effect. Source
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome involves tumors that overproduce which hormone?
Gastrin
Secretin
Cholecystokinin
Somatostatin
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome features gastrin-secreting tumors (gastrinomas) that cause excessive gastric acid production and peptic ulcers. Secretin levels become elevated in paradoxical response. Early diagnosis is critical. Source
What type of epithelium lines the alveoli?
Simple squamous epithelium
Stratified squamous epithelium
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Transitional epithelium
Alveoli are lined by simple squamous epithelium (Type I pneumocytes) to facilitate rapid gas diffusion. Other epithelial types provide protection or secretion but have slower diffusion. This thin barrier is essential for respiration. Source
In which part of the respiratory tract do you find both cartilage and smooth muscle in the walls?
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Tracheoles
Bronchi have supportive cartilage plates and smooth muscle that regulate airway diameter. Bronchioles lack cartilage and depend on smooth muscle. This structure balances rigidity and flexibility in airways. Source
What is the medical term for the process of swallowing?
Deglutition
Mastication
Peristalsis
Emesis
Deglutition is the coordinated muscular action that moves a food bolus from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus. Mastication refers to chewing, and emesis is vomiting. Proper neural control prevents aspiration. Source
What is the primary function of the ileocecal valve?
Prevent backflow of colonic contents into small intestine
Absorb vitamin B12
Produce digestive enzymes
Secrete mucus
The ileocecal valve controls flow from the ileum into the cecum and prevents backward movement of colonic bacteria, optimizing digestion and preventing contamination. Dysfunction can cause bacterial overgrowth. Source
Which molecule serves as a major blood buffer?
Hemoglobin
Albumin
Globulin
Fibrinogen
Hemoglobin binds protons and CO2, helping maintain blood pH. It’s the most abundant intracellular buffer in erythrocytes. Plasma proteins like albumin have buffering roles but are less significant. Source
What stimulates the release of cholecystokinin?
Presence of fats and proteins in the duodenum
High acidity in stomach
Distension of colon
Low blood sugar
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted by I cells in the duodenal mucosa in response to fats and partially digested proteins. It stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme secretion. Acid alone triggers secretin release. Source
Which transporter is responsible for glucose uptake in the small intestine?
SGLT1
GLUT4
Na+/K+ ATPase
H+/K+ ATPase
SGLT1 is a sodium-glucose cotransporter on the apical membrane of enterocytes, using the Na+ gradient to import glucose and galactose. GLUT4 is insulin-regulated in muscle and adipose tissue. Source
Chronic smoking damages respiratory cilia leading to what outcome?
Reduced mucus clearance
Increased surfactant production
Enhanced gas exchange
Lowered residual volume
Smoking toxins paralyze and destroy cilia, impairing mucociliary clearance. Accumulated mucus increases infection risk and contributes to chronic bronchitis. Gas exchange is impaired over time. Source
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is primarily due to dysfunction of which structure?
Lower esophageal sphincter
Pyloric sphincter
Upper esophageal sphincter
Ileocecal valve
GERD results when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. This causes heartburn and potential mucosal damage. Other sphincters regulate different segments. Source
What is the function of the lamina propria in the digestive tract?
Supportive connective tissue housing blood vessels and glands
Muscular contraction
Enzyme secretion
Absorption of fats
The lamina propria is a layer of loose connective tissue beneath the epithelium that contains capillaries, lymphatics, and immune cells. It supports nutrient absorption and host defense. Muscularis externa handles contractions. Source
Which region of the pharynx is common to both food and air passages?
Oropharynx
Nasopharynx
Laryngopharynx
Hypopharynx
The oropharynx lies behind the oral cavity and serves as a shared pathway for ingested food and inspired air. The nasopharynx handles only air, and the laryngopharynx directs food to the esophagus. Source
Which nerve innervates the diaphragm?
Phrenic nerve
Vagus nerve
Intercostal nerve
Accessory nerve
The phrenic nerve (C3-C5) provides motor innervation to the diaphragm, the primary muscle of inspiration. Injury to this nerve can cause respiratory compromise. The vagus nerve supplies visceral organs. Source
In emphysema, gas exchange is impaired due to what change?
Decreased alveolar surface area
Increased mucus secretion
Thickened bronchial walls
Surfactant deficiency
Emphysema destroys alveolar walls, reducing total surface area for gas exchange and decreasing elastic recoil. This leads to air trapping and impaired oxygen uptake. Mucus and bronchial changes occur in other COPD forms. Source
The primary driving force for respiration is an increase in which concentration?
Carbon dioxide in blood
Oxygen in blood
Nitrogen in alveoli
Hydrogen ions in stomach
Central chemoreceptors in the medulla respond primarily to increases in CO2 (and resulting H+) levels, stimulating ventilation. Oxygen levels have a smaller effect unless severely low. Nitrogen and gastric acids are unrelated. Source
Which immunoglobulin is predominant in mucosal secretions?
IgA
IgM
IgG
IgE
Secretory IgA is the main antibody in mucosal secretions, protecting against pathogens at epithelial surfaces. It can neutralize viruses and toxins without inflammatory damage. Other immunoglobulins circulate systemically. Source
The Bohr effect describes the influence of pH on which hemoglobin property?
Oxygen affinity
Carbon dioxide binding
Boiling point
Solubility
The Bohr effect refers to decreased hemoglobin oxygen affinity at lower pH (higher H+ concentration), facilitating oxygen release in metabolically active tissues. It does not directly describe CO2 binding. Source
How does cystic fibrosis affect respiratory secretions?
Increased viscosity due to defective chloride transport
Decreased mucus production
Increased surfactant
Elevated ciliary movement
A mutation in the CFTR gene impairs chloride and water transport across epithelia, leading to thick, sticky secretions in airways and recurrent infections. This does not affect surfactant or ciliary beat frequency directly. Source
The urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori detects which enzyme activity?
Urease
Catalase
Coagulase
Lactase
H. pylori produces urease, which hydrolyzes urea to ammonia and CO2. The urea breath test measures labeled CO2 in exhaled air, indicating infection. Other enzymes are not used in this diagnostic test. Source
Which cell type proliferates to repair alveolar lining after injury?
Type II pneumocytes
Macrophages
Type I pneumocytes
Endothelial cells
Type II pneumocytes serve as progenitor cells that proliferate and differentiate into Type I pneumocytes to restore the alveolar epithelium after injury. They also secrete surfactant. Macrophages aid in defense but do not regenerate epithelium. Source
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key System Structures -

    After completing the digestive and respiratory quiz, you'll be able to identify the major organs and anatomical features of both the digestive and respiratory systems.

  2. Explain Enzyme Functions and Secretions -

    You will understand the role of digestive enzymes and bodily secretions, including those in pancreatic juice, and how they contribute to nutrient breakdown.

  3. Trace Airflow Pathways -

    You'll be able to trace the route of air from the external environment through the respiratory tract down to the alveoli for gas exchange.

  4. Differentiate Digestion Processes -

    You will distinguish between mechanical and chemical digestion stages and describe where each occurs in the digestive system.

  5. Analyze Pancreatic Juice Composition -

    You will evaluate quiz scenarios such as "pancreatic juice does not contain…" to identify which components are absent or present.

  6. Assess System Smarts -

    You'll use quiz feedback to assess and reinforce your understanding of human digestive and respiratory systems, pinpointing areas for further study.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Enzyme Activity and pH Optima -

    As you gear up for your digestive and respiratory quiz, map which digestive enzymes work best at specific pH levels: salivary amylase in the mouth (~pH 7), pepsin in the stomach (~pH 2), and pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine (~pH 8). Create a simple pH chart or the mnemonic "7 Ducks, 2 Penguins, 8 Elephants" to recall these values easily (source: University of Michigan Biology).

  2. Pancreatic Juice Components -

    In the digestive system quiz, remember that pancreatic juice contains bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid and key enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases (e.g., trypsin), but does NOT include the hormone secretin. A quick phrase "Bi-Carbs & Enzymes Only" helps you recall "no secretin" (source: Guyton and Hall Physiology).

  3. Respiratory Volumes and Vital Capacity -

    On the respiratory system quiz, nail the formula VC = TV + IRV + ERV to calculate vital capacity, where tidal volume (TV) is the air per normal breath and IRV/ERV are the extra inhaled/exhaled volumes. Use the simple add-up method "TV plus extra breath in and out" for quick recall during spirometry questions (source: American Lung Association).

  4. Alveolar Gas Exchange & Fick's Law -

    For both digestion of nutrients and respiration, gas exchange follows Fick's law: Vgas = (A·D·ΔP)/T, highlighting how large surface area, thin membranes, and steep pressure gradients accelerate diffusion. Memorize "More Area, Less Thickness, Steeper Gradient" to sharpen your digestive and respiratory quiz performance (source: West's Respiratory Physiology).

  5. Metabolic CO2 Link to Respiration -

    The respiratory system quiz often tests how metabolic CO2 and H+ from nutrient breakdown drive ventilation rate through central chemoreceptors - higher CO2 means faster breathing to maintain pH. Keep the motto "Burn Fuel, Breathe More" in mind to connect digestive metabolism with respiratory control (source: Silverthorn's Human Physiology).

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