16 Digestion and

Absorption

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TARGET EXAM PREDICTED NO. OF MCQs CRITICAL CONCEPTS
• System
NEET 1-2 • Digestion and absorption of food
• Disorders of digestive system

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Topicwise Questions Learning Plus Multiconcept MCQs NEET Past 10 Years Questions Total MCQs
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INTRODUCTION
● Food is one of the basic requirements of all living
organisms.
● The major components of our food are carbohydrates,
proteins and fats. They are also known as
biomacromolecules.
● Vitamins and minerals are required in small quantities.
Food provides energy and organic materials for
growth and repair of tissues. They are also known as
biomicromolecules.
● Water plays an important role in metabolic processes and
also prevents dehydration of the body.
● The process of conversion of complex food substances
to simple absorbable forms is called digestion and is
carried out by our digestive system by mechanical and
biochemical methods.

TYPES OF DIGESTION
1. Intracellular: When the process of digestion occurs
within the cell in the food vacuole. Examples include
protozoa, porifera, coelenterata and free living
platyhelminthes.
2. Extracellular: When the process of digestion occurs
outside the cell. Examples include coelenterates and
phylum platyhelminthes to phylum chordata.
Digestive System
Digestion in vertebrates occurs in the digestive tract or
alimentary canal.
The various parts involved in digestion can be broadly grouped
in two groups
1. Digestive tract or alimentary canal
2. Associated glands
Alimentary canal
The alimentary canal is tubular structure which extends from
mouth (anterior opening) to anus (posterior opening).
The alimentary canal is divided into following parts:
(i) Mouth and Buccopharyngeal cavity
(ii) Oesophagus
(iii) Stomach
(iv) Intestine
Fig.: The human digestive system
Buccopharyngeal cavity
● It includes anterior buccal cavity which is lined stratified
squamous epithelial cells
● The oral cavity has a number of teeth and a muscular
tongue.
● Oral cavity leads into a short pharynx which serves as
a common passage for food and air. A cartilaginous flap
called epiglottis prevents the entry of food into glottis
(opening of wind pipe) during swallowing.
● The oesophagus and the trachea (wind pipe) open into the
pharynx.
TONGUE
● Freely movable muscular (mesodermal) organ and present
on the floor of oral cavity.
● Stratified squamous epithelial cells are present.
● The upper surface of the tongue has small projects called
papillae. Some of which bears taste buds.
● Tongue is attached to the floor of the oral cavity by
frenulum.

PARTS OF ALIMENTARY CANAL Functions of tongue

(i) Acts as universal toothbrush, as it helps in tooth
Mouth cleaning.
● The mouth is a transverse slit like aperture bounded by (ii) Helps in speaking.
two movable lips or labia, upper lip and lower lip. (iii) Helps in deglutition.
● Mouth opens into buccopharyngeal cavity, this cavity is (iv) Helps in mixing saliva with food.
divided into two parts namely vestibule and oral cavity. (v) Helps in taste detection.

Digestion and Absorption 129

 NEED TO KNOW NEED TO KNOW
Hard palate has transverse ridges called palatine rugae. Š Enamel, secreted by ameloblast or enameloblast cells,
forms the outermost covering. It is ectodermal and made
up of 92% of inorganic substances, hence considered as
TEETH
hardest part of the body.
The hard chewing surface of the teeth, made up of enamel, Š The inorganic substances present are calcium phosphate
helps in the mastication of food. (85%), calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate.
Thecodont: Each tooth is embedded in a socket of jaw bone.
This type of attachment is called thecodont. DENTAL FORMULA
Diphyodont: In most mammals, teeth develop during life in An adult human has 32 permanent teeth.
two successive sets, a condition known as diphyodont. Teeth Arrangement of teeth in each half of the upper and lower jaw
of the first set are known as deciduous teeth or milk teeth or in the order I, C, PM, M is represented by a dental formula
temporary milk whereas the second set is called permanent 2123
which in human is .
teeth. 2123
2 1 0 2 5 10
NEED TO KNOW Child = I C PM M = ×2= =20
2 1 0 2 5 10
Odontoblast cells are mesodermal in embryonic origin 2 1 2 2 7
forming immediate covering of the pulp cavity. The cells 17 Yr. old = I C PM M = ×2=28
2 1 2 2 7
secrete dentine.
2 1 2 3 8 16
Adult = I C PM M = ×2= =32
2 1 2 3 8 16
Differentiation of teeth
Dentition is differentiated into two types OESOPHAGUS (FOOD TUBE)
(i) Homodont: When all the teeth are structurally and Morphology
functionally similar. ● A thin, long tube which extends posteriorly passing
(ii) Heterodont: When the teeth are different in structure through the neck, thorax and diaphragm and leads to a ‘J’
and functions. They are distinguished into four types shaped bag like structure called stomach.
● Upper 1/3 of oesophagus is made up of skeletal muscles.
incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
● Lower 2/3 is made up of smooth muscles.
Types of teeth ● A muscular sphincter (gastro-oesophageal) regulates the
(i) Incisor: These are long, chisel-like teeth for cutting opening of oesophagus into the stomach.
● Function: Conduction of food.
and chopping the food. They have one root.
STOMACH
(ii) Canine: These are sharp pointed teeth meant for
tearing and shearing the food. Canines are most ● Single oval, elongated, unilobed and J shaped bag like
structure
developed in carnivorous animals and are absent in
● Present in the upper left portion of the abdominal
herbivorous animals. They have one root. cavity below diaphragm.
(iii) Premolar: These teeth are meant for chewing and
crushing of food. They are triangular in shape. The
premolars of upper jaw have two roots and lower
jaw have one root.
(iv) Molar (Cheek teeth): These also meant for chewing
and crushing of food. They are rectangular in shape. Body
The molar of upper jaw have 3 roots and lower jaw
have 2 roots.

 KEY NOTE Fig.: Human Stomach

It consists of four parts:
Š Premolar and molar help in the mastication of food.
(i) Cardiac portion into which oesophagus opens.
Š In mammals, except premolar and last molar, all type
of teeth appear twice in life. (ii) Fundic region which stores both undigested food and
gases.

130 Dropper NEET

 (iii) Pyloric portion which opens into the first part of small • Vermiform appendix is narrow finger-like tubular
intestine. projection, arises from the caecum
(iv) Body-Main central region. • A vestigial organ.
Two types of valves are present in the stomach viz. (ii) Colon:
● Cardiac sphincter valve between oesophagus and • The caecum opens into the colon.
stomach.
• In human, it is distinguished into four parts as
● Pyloric sphincter valve between stomach and duodenum.
ascending, transverse, descending part and
NEED TO KNOW sigmoid colon.
Inner surface of stomach is raised into numeros longitudinal • Colon is concerned with absorption of water
folds called gastric rugae. from undigested food, salts, vitamins, etc., hence
concerned with faeces formation.
PARTS OF STOMACH (iii) Rectum:
• T he descending part opens into the rectum which
Gastric glands in human has four distinct types of cells
opens out through the anus.
(a) Peptic or Chief cells : Secretes two digestive
proenzymes pepsinogen and prorennin. • I t is concerned with storage of faeces.
(b) Oxyntic or Parietal cells : Secretes HCl and • R ectum has strong sphincter muscle in its wall.
castle’s intrinsic factor required for the absorption • T he sphincter keeps the canal as well as anus
of vitamin B12. closed when not used for defecation.
(c) Mucous neck cells: Secretes alkaline mucous. Function: Absorption of water from undigested
(d) Argentaffin cells: Responsible for the secretion of food.
vasoconstrictor serotonin. It plays a role in regulation (iv) Anal canal and anus:
of muscular movements. • Anal canal connects rectum with anus and it is
(e) G cells: Secrete a hormone, named gastrin, which about 3 cm long.
increases the motility of gastric wall and stimulates • Anus is the terminal inferior opening of alimentary
gastric glands for active secretion. canal.
Functions HISTOLOGY OF ALIMENTARY CANAL
● Storage of food.
The wall of alimentary canal from oesophagus to rectum
● Churning of food to mix with gastric juice. possesses four layers namely serosa, muscularis, sub-mucosa
and mucosa.
NEED TO KNOW
(i) Serosa:
● Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) aids in RBCs production. • Outermost layer
● Vitamin B12 deficiency causes pernicious anaemia.
• Made up of a thin mesothelium (epithelium of
SMALL INTESTINE visceral organs) with some connective tissues.
Structure: It is distinguishable into three regions (ii) Muscularis:
(i) a ‘C’ shaped duodenum, • Formed by smooth muscles usually arranged into an
(ii) a long coiled middle portion jejunum inner circular and an outer longitudinal layer.
(iii) a highly coiled ileum.
• An oblique muscle layer may be present in some
● Also numerous finger-like projection called villi project
regions.
from the wall of lumen, increasing internal surface area
about ten time. (iii) Sub-mucosal layer:
● The distal end of ileum leads into the large intestine by • Formed of loose connective tissues containing
ileo-caecal valve in man. nerves, blood and lymph vessels.
Function: Digestion and absorption of food. • In duodenum, glands are also present in sub-
mucosa.
LARGE INTESTINE
(iv) Mucosa:
Structure: Endodermal, approximately 1.5-1.75 metre
long. • Innermost layer lining the lumen of the alimentary
It consists of following parts canal.
(i) Caecum:  orms irregular folds (rugae) in the stomach and
• F
• It is small blind sac which hosts some symbiotic small finger-like foldings called villi in the small
microorganism. intestine.

Digestion and Absorption 131

VILLI & MICROVILLI DIGESTIVE GLANDS
● The cells lining the villi produce numerous microscopic ● The various types of digestive glands present in mammals
projections called microvilli giving a brush border are salivary glands, gastric glands, intestinal glands,
appearance. pancreas and liver.
● The digestive glands secrete digestive juices.
● These modifications increase the surface area enormously.
● Villi are supplied with a network of capillaries and a large SALIVARY GLANDS
lymph vessel called the lacteal. Three pairs of salivary glands present in humans are as follows
1. Parotid (cheek): One-pair, largest salivary gland.
 KEY NOTE 2. Sub-mandibular / Sub-maxillary (lower jaw): One-pair,
Š Mucosal epithelium has goblet cells which secrete mucus present at the junction of upper and lower jaw in cheek
that help in lubrication. region.
3. Sub-lingual (below the tongue): One-pair, present in
Š Mucosa also forms glands in the stomach (gastric the floor of buccopharyngeal cavity.
glands) and crypts in between the bases of villi in the
intestine (crypts of Lieberkuhn). Ducts of salivary glands
● Parotids: Stenson’s duct
● All the four layers show modifications in different
● Sub-maxillary or Sub-mandibular: Wharton duct
parts of the alimentary canal.
● Sublingual’s: Duct of Rivinus
● These glands situated just outside the buccal cavity
secrete salivary juice into the buccal cavity.
● The secretion of salivary glands is called saliva or
salivary juice.
SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTICS
ARE AS FOLLOWS
● Amount: 1.0-1.5 litre/day
● Chemical nature: Slightly acidic.
● pH : 6.3 - 6.8
● Control of secretion: Autonomic reflex (parasympathetic
Fig.: Diagrammatic representation of transverse section of
nervous system increases salivation while sympathetic
gut nervous system inhibit secretion).
● Chemical composition: Water (99.5%), mucous (acts as
lubricant), salts (NaCI, NaHCO3 etc.), enzymes (ptyalin,
lysozyme) etc..
● Functions: Salivary juice and its enzymes.
● Makes the medium slightly acidic for the action of its
enzyme.
● Help in taste detection, deglutition, speaking etc.
Plyalin/Diastase
Starch 
(Salivary amylase)
→ Maltose + Isomaltose + Limit
Dextrin
Lysozyme
Bacteria (living)  → Bacteria (killed)
Fig. Digestion and absorption Liver
Crypts of
Brunner's Gland Payer's Patches
Leiberkuhn

Š Found in Š These are lymph Š Known as

submucosa of nodules. intestinal
duodenum only. Š They produce gland.
Š Alkaline mucus lymphocytes. Š Secrete
secreting gland Lymphocytes antibacterial
so known as are phagocytic substances
mucus gland. in nature which hence it
destroy harmful provides
bacteria. immunity. Fig.: Duct systems of liver, gall bladder and pancreas

132 Dropper NEET

● It is the largest gland of the body weighing about 1.2 to
1.5 kg in an adult human.
● It is situated in the abdominal cavity, just below the
diaphragm and has two lobes.
● Hepatic lobules are the structural and functional units
of liver containing hepatic cells arranged in the form of
cords.
● Each lobule is covered by a thin connective tissue sheath
called the Glisson’s capsule characteristic feature of
mammalian liver.
● The bile secreted by the hepatic cells passes through the
hepatic ducts and is stored and concentrated in a thin
muscular sac called the gall bladder.
● The duct of gall bladder (cystic duct) along with the
hepatic duct from the liver forms the common bile duct.
 KEY NOTE
Š The bile duct and the pancreatic duct open together into
the duodenum as the common hepato-pancreatic duct
which is guarded by a sphincter called the sphincter of
oddi.
NEED TO KNOW
Mammalian liver also contains kupffer cells that are
phagocytic cells.
PANCREAS
A compound (both exocrine and endocrine) gland.
● Elongated organ situated between the limbs of the ‘C’
shaped duodenum.
● The exocrine portion secretes an alkaline pancreatic
juice containing enzymes.
● Endocrine portion secretes hormones, insulin and
glucagon.
DIGESTION OF FOOD
● Digestion is divided in two ways: Mechanical digestion
and Chemical digestion.
● Mechanical digestion takes place in mouth, stomach and
small intestine.
Digestion in oral cavity
● Buccal cavity performs two major functions, mastication
of food and facilitation of swallowing.
● Food enters through mouth and mixed with saliva, tongue
mixes the food with saliva.
● Mucus in saliva helps in lubricating and adhering the
masticated food particles into a bolus.
● The bolus is then conveyed into the pharynx and then into
the oesophagus by swallowing or deglutition.
● The bolus further passes down through the oesophagus
by successive waves of muscular contractions called
peristalsis.
Digestion and Absorption
MECHANICAL DIGESTION
● In mouth, teeth, tongue and lips have important role in
mechanical digestion through the process of chewing or
mastication.
● They help in mixing up the food thoroughly.
CHEMICAL DIGESTION
The saliva secreted into the oral cavity contains electrolytes
(Na+, K+, CI–, HCO–3) and enzymes, salivary amylase and
lysozyme.
● The chemical process of digestion is initiated in the
oral cavity by the hydrolytic action of the carbohydrate
splitting enzyme, the salivary amylase.
● About 30 percent of starch is hydrolysed by this enzyme
(optimum pH 6.8) into a disaccharide – maltose.
● Lysozyme: It is an enzyme which kills the harmful
bacteria. It acts as an antibacterial agent that prevent
infections.
Ptyalin, pH 6.8
Starch  → Maltose
Salivary amylase
NEED TO KNOW
Ptyalin is found in human saliva because human food is
mainly made up of starch.
 KEY NOTE
Š Gastroesophageal sphincter or cardiac sphincter
normaly remains closed and does not allow food contents
of the stomach to move back. It controls the passage of
food into the stomach.
Digestion of food in stomach
● When the food enters into stomach, G-cells secrete
gastrin hormones which stimulate the secretion of
gastric juice by gastric glands.
● Secretion of gastric juice is controlled by nerve, hormones
and chemical substances.
Composition of Gastric juice
● Amount : 1-1.5 liters/day
● Chemical nature: Highly acidic
● pH : 1.0 - 3.5 (due to presence of HCl)
● Control of secretion: By gastrin hormone
● Chemical composition: Water (99%), mucous, inorganic
salts, castle’s intrinsic factor, HCl and enzymes prorennin
and pepsinogen and gastric lipase.
● The stomach stores the food for 4-5 hours.
● The food mixes thoroughly with the acidic gastric juice of
the stomach by the churning movements of its muscular
wall and is called the chyme.
133
Functions of HCl
● The main function of HCl is to convert proenzyme
pepsinogen into active enzyme pepsin.
● Pepsin converts proteins into proteoses and peptones
(peptides).
HCl
Pepsinogen  → Pepsin
Prorennin 
HCl
→ Rennin
● The mucus and bicarbonates present in the gastric juice
play an important role in lubrication and protection of
the mucosal epithelium from excoriation by the highly
concentrated hydrochloric acid.
● HCl provides the acidic pH (pH 1.8) optimal for pepsins.
Digestion by Rennin
● Rennin (proteolytic enzyme) is active in the childhood
stage of mammals only.
● It converts milk into curd like substance and then digests
it.
● In adult stages, it is inactive.
● Rennin acts on milk protein casein.
● Casein is a soluble protein.
● In presence of rennin, casein gets converted into insoluble
Ca-paracaseinate. This process is termed as curdling of
milk.
● After becoming insoluble, milk can remain in the stomach
for a longer time.
● Rennin is absent in adult human
● Curdling of milk is done by HCl, Pepsin and
Chymotrypsin in human.
Digestion by Gastric Lipase
● It converts fats into fatty-acids and glycerols. It is secreted
in a less amount so less digestion of fats takes place here.
Digestion of food in small intestine
● In small intestine, mechanical and chemical digestion
take place.
● Various types of movements are generated by the
muscularis layer of the small intestine.
● These movements help in a thorough mixing up of the food
with various secretions in the intestine and thereby facilitate
digestion.
● Bile, pancreatic juice and intestinal juice are the secretions
released into the small intestine.
Pancreatic juice
● Pancreatic juice and bile are released through the hepato-
pancreatic duct.
● Pancreatic juice contains inactive enzymes – Trypsinogen,
Chymotrypsinogen, Procarboxypeptidases, Amylases,
Lipases and Nucleases.
134
● Trypsinogen is activated by an enzyme, enterokinase,
secreted by the intestinal mucosa into active trypsin,
which in turn activates the other enzymes in the pancreatic
juice.
Bile juice
● In the proximal-part of the duodenum, bile-juice is
secreted.
● The hepatocytes of the liver produce bile juice and stored
in the gall bladder.
● Bile juice does not contain any digestive enzyme.
Composition of Bile-juice
Bile released into the duodenum contains bile pigments
(bilirubin and bili-verdin), bile salts, cholesterol and
phospholipids but no enzymes.
Function of bile juice
● Neutralization of HCl: Its sodium neutralizes HCL of
chyme (semifluid food found in the stomach).
● Emulsification: Sodium glycocholate and sodium
taurocholate are bile salts which break the large fat
droplets into the smaller micelles.
● Absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins: Bile salts
help in the absorption of fats (fatty acids and glycerol)
and fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, E and K).
● Stimulation of peristalsis: Bile increases peristalsis of
the intestine.
● Activation of Lipase: Bile also activates the enzyme
lipase.
NEED TO KNOW
Š Bile-pigments, cholesterol and lecithin are the excretory
substances found in bile juice.
Š Gall-Stone: Sometimes the passage inside the bile-duct
gets blocked or becomes narrow, so the cholesterol gets
deposited or precipitated in the gall-bladder. This is termed
as the gall-stone (cholelithiasis).
Š Obstructive jaundice: If the passage of bile is blocked
then the amount of bilirubin increases in the blood. So, the
yellowish colouration of body like skin, cornea and nails
appear yellow. Urine also becomes yellow.
Proteins, proteoses and peptones (partially hydrolysed
proteins) in the chyme reaching the intestine are acted upon
by the proteolytic enzymes of pancreatic juice as given below
Proteins 
 Trypsin/Chymotrypsin
Peptones  
Carboxypeptidase
→ Dipeptides

Proteoses 
Carbohydrates in the chyme are hydrolysed by pancreatic
amylase into disaccharides.
Amylase
Polysaccharides (starch)  → Disaccharides
Dropper NEET
Fats are broken down by lipases with the help of bile into di- ● The breakdown of biomacromolecules occurs in the
and monoglycerides. duodenum region of the small intestine.
Lipases
Fats → Diglycerides 
→ Monoglycerides ● The simple substances thus formed are absorbed in the
jejunum and ileum regions of the small intestine.
Nucleases in the pancreatic juice acts on nucleic acids to form
● The undigested and unabsorbed substances are passed on
nucleotides and nucleosides.
to the large intestine.
Nucleases
Nucleic acids  → Nucleotides 
→ Nucleosides
Digestion in Large Intestine
 KEY NOTE ● No significant digestive activity occurs in the large
intestine.
Majority of proteins are broken into the stomach and the
remaining are broken into the duodenum. ● The functions of large intestine are
(i) Absorption of some water, minerals and certain drugs.
Digestion in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (ii) Secretion of mucus which helps in adhering the waste
● The intestinal mucosal epithelium has goblet cells which (undigested) particles together and lubricating it for an
secrete mucus. easy passage.
● The secretions of the brush border cells of the mucosa ● The undigested, unabsorbed substances called faeces
alongwith the secretions of the goblet cells constitute the enters into the caecum of the large intestine through
intestinal juice or succus entericus. ileo-caecal valve, which prevents the back flow of the
● This juice contains a variety of enzymes like faecal matter. It is temporarily stored in the rectum till
disaccharidases (e.g., maltase), dipeptidases, lipases, defaecation.
nucleosidases, etc.
● The mucus alongwith the bicarbonates from the pancreas Neural and hormonal control of GIT
protects the intestinal mucosa from acid as well as provide
● The activities of the gastro-intestinal tract are under
an alkaline medium (pH 7.8) for enzymatic activities.
neural and hormonal control for proper coordination of
● Sub-mucosal glands (Brunner’s glands) also help in this.
different parts.
● Succus entericus mainly contains the following
enzymes : ● The sight, smell and/or the presence of food in the oral
● Peptidase or Erepsin: This is a type of exopeptidase. It cavity can stimulate the secretion of saliva.
converts oligopeptides into amino acids(monomer). ● Gastric and intestinal secretions are also, similarly,
● Sucrase: It is also known as invertase. It converts sucrose stimulated by neural signals.
into glucose and fructose. ● The muscular activities of different parts of the alimentary
● Maltase: It converts maltose sugar into glucose molecules. canal can also be moderated by neural mechanisms, both
● Lactase: This enzyme is found only in mammals. It local and through CNS.
converts milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose.
● Hormonal control of the secretion of digestive juices
● Intestinal Lipase: This fat-digesting enzyme converts
is carried out by the local hormones produced by the
fats into fatty-acids and glycerol.
gastric and intestinal mucosa.
● Nucleotidase and Nucleosidase: These act on nucleotides
and nucleosides and convert them into sugars and bases. NEED TO KNOW
● The enzymes in the succus entericus act on the end
products of the reactions catalyzed by pancreatic juice In herbivores, the symbiotic bacteria and protozoans present
enzymes to form the respective simple absorbable forms. in the caecum help in digestion of cellulose into glucose.
● These final steps in digestion occur very close to the So, the digestion of cellulose takes place in caecum by the
mucosal epithelial cells of the intestine.
Dipeptidases
process of decomposition. This decomposition process is
Dipeptides  → Amino acids
very slow. So, very less amount of cellulose is digested at a
Maltase
Maltose  → Glucose+Glucose time in caecum.
Lactase
Lactose → Glucose+Galactose
Sucrase  KEY NOTE
Sucrose → Glucose+Fructose
Nucleotidases Nucleosidase
Š Maximum digestion of food – Duodenum
Nucleotides  → Nucleosides  → Sugars+Bases
Š Digestion of food complete in – Jejunum
Lipases
Di and Monoglycerides → Fatty acids+Glycerol Š Maximum absorption of food – Jejunum

Digestion and Absorption 135

ABSORPTION OF DIGESTED FOOD ● Absorption of substances takes place in different parts of
the alimentary canal like mouth, stomach, small intestine
● Absorption is the process by which the end products
and large intestine.
of digestion pass through the intestinal mucosa into the
● Maximum absorption occurs in the small intestine
blood or lymph.
● The absorbed substances finally reach the tissues which
● It is carried out by passive, active or facilitated transport
utilise them for their activities. This process is called
mechanisms.
assimilation.
● Simple diffusion: It facilitates the absorption of small
● The digestive wastes solidified into coherent faeces in the
amounts of monosacharides like glucose, amino acids
rectum initiate a neural reflex causing an urge or desire
and some of electrolytes like chloride ions
for its removal.
● The passage of these substances into the blood depends
● The egestion of faeces to the outside through the anal
upon the concentration gradients. opening (defaecation) is a voluntary process and is
● Facilitated transport: Some of the substances like carried out by a mass peristaltic movement.
glucose and some amino acids are absorbed with the help
of the carrier proteins. NEED TO KNOW
Active transport: Calorific value of Protein, Carbohydrate and Fat
● Transport of water depends upon the osmotic gradient. ● The energy requirements of animals and the energy
● Active transport occurs against the concentration gradient. content of food are expressed in terms of measure of heat
● Various nutrients like amino acids, monosacharides like energy because heat is the ultimate form of all energies.
glucose, electrolytes like Na+ are absorbed into the blood ● This is often measured to as calorie (cal) or joule (J),
by this mechanism. which is the amount of heat energy required to raise the
Table: Absorption in different parts of digestive system temperature of 1 g of water by 1°C.
● The amount of heat liberated from complete combustion
Mouth Stomach Small Intestine Large of 1 g food in a bomb calorimeter (a closed metal chamber
Intestine filled with O2) is its gross calorific or gross energy value.
Certain Absorption Principle organ for Absorption ● The actual amount of energy combustion of 1 g of food is
drugs of water, absorption of nutrients. of water, the physiologic value of food.
coming simple Š The digestion is some
● Gross calorific values of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
completed here
in contact sugars, and minerals are 4.1 kcal/g, 5.65 kcal/g and 9.45 kcal/g respectively
Š Final products of
with the alcohol
digestion such as
and drugs ● Physiologic values are 4.0 kcal/g, 4.0 kcal/g and
mucosa etc., takes glucose, fructose, takes place. 9.0 kcal/g respectively.
of mouth place. fatty acids, glycerol
and amino acids are
DISORDERS OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
and lower
absorbed through The inflammation of the intestinal tract is the most common
side of the the mucosa into the ailment due to bacterial or viral infections. The infections are
tongue are blood stream and
lymph.
also caused by the parasites of the intestine like tape worm,
absorbed
round worm, thread worm, hook worm, pin worm etc.
into the
Jaundice:
blood
The liver is affected, skin and eyes turn yellow due to the
capillaries
deposit of bile pigments.
lining
Vomiting:
them.
It is the ejection of stomach contents through the mouth. This
● Fatty acids and glycerol being insoluble, cannot be reflex action is controlled by the vomit centre in the medulla.
absorbed into the blood. A feeling of nausea precedes vomiting.
● They are first incorporated into small droplets called Diarrhoea:
micelles which move into the intestinal mucosa.
The abnormal frequency of bowel movement and increased
● They are re-formed into very small protein coated fat liquidity of the faecal discharge is known as diarrhoea. It
globules called the chylomicrons which are transported reduces the absorption of food.
into the lymph vessels (lacteals) in the villi. These lymph Constipation:
vessels ultimately release the absorbed substances into In constipation, the faeces are retained within the rectum as
the blood stream. the bowel movements occur irregularly.

136 Dropper NEET

Indigestion:
In this condition, the food is not properly digested leading to
a feeling of fullness. The causes of indigestion are inadequate
enzyme secretion, anxiety, food poisoning, over eating, and
spicy food.
PROTEIN-ENERGY MALNUTRITION (PEM)
● Dietary deficiencies of proteins and total food calories are
widespread in many underdeveloped countries of South
and South-east Asia, South America and West and
Central Africa.
● Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) may affect large
sections of the population during drought, famine and
political turmoil. This happened in Bangladesh during
the liberation war and in Ethiopia during the severe
drought in mid-eighties.
● PEM affects infants and children to produce Marasmus
and Kwashiorkar.
Marasmus
● Marasmus is produced by a simultaneous deficiency of
proteins and calories.
● It is found in infants less than a year in age, if mother’s
milk is replaced too early by other foods which are poor
in both proteins and caloric value.
● This often happens if the mother has second pregnancy or
childbirth when the older infant is still too young.
Digestion and Absorption
● Protein deficiency impairs growth and replacement
of tissue proteins; extreme emaciation of the body and
thinning of limbs results, the skin becomes dry, thin and
wrinkled.
● Growth rate and body weight decline considerably. Even
growth and development of brain and mental faculties are
impaired.
Kwashiorkar
● Kwashiorkar is produced by protein deficiency
unaccompanied by calorie deficiency.
● It results from the replacement of mother’s milk by a
high calorie-low protein diet in a child more than one
year in age.
● Kwashiorkor occurs in people who have a severe protein
deficiency.
● Children who develop kwashiorkor are often older than
children who develop marasmus.
● Having a diet that’s mainly carbohydrates can lead to
this condition.
 KEY NOTE
● Like marasmus, Kwashiorkar shows wasting of
muscles, thinning of limbs, failure of growth and brain
development.
● Unlike marasmus, some fat is still left under the skin;
moreover, extensive oedema and swelling of body parts
are seen.
137
 Topicwise Questions
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 9. Mammalian teeth are
1. Food is one of the basic requirements of all living organisms. (a) Acrodont (b) Homodont
The major components of our food are (c) Thecodont (d) Polyphyodont
(a) Carbohydrates, protein and fats 10. Hard chewing surface of teeth that helps in the mastication
(b) Vitamins and minerals of food is called
(c) Hormones, vitamins and minerals (a) Enamel (b) Dentine
(d) All of the above (c) Canine (d) Frenulum
2. The function of water in our body is 11. Tongue is a freely movable muscular organ attached to the
A. To prevent the dehydration of the body floor of oral cavity by
(a) Papillae (b) Fenestrae
B. To play an important role in metabolic processes
(c) Enamel (d) Frenulum
C. To provide energy and organic materials for growth
and repair of tissues 12. Which of the following structure serve as a common
passage for food and air?
(a) A and B (b) B and C
(a) Trachea (b) Larynx
(c) A and C (d) A, B and C
(c) Pharynx (d) Epiglottis
3. Digestion is carried out in our digestive system by
13. Structure which prevents the entry of food into respiratory
(a) Mechanical methods (b) Biological methods tract is
(c) Biochemical methods (d) Both (a) and (c) (a) Glottis (b) Pharynx
4. Human digestive system consists of (c) Epiglottis (d) Larynx
(a) Alimentary canal 14. Opening of the trachea or wind pipe is called
(b) Associated/digestive glands (a) Glottis (b) Epiglottis
(c) Endocrine glands (c) Bronchi (d) Pharynx
(d) Both (a) and (b)
15. Stomach is located in the
5. Dental formula shows (a) Upper left portion of thoracic cavity
(a) Structure of teeth (b) Lower left portion of thoracic cavity
(b) Monophyodont or diphyodont condition (c) Upper left portion of abdominal cavity
(c) Number and type of teeth in both jaws (d) Upper right portion of abdominal cavity
(d) Number and type of teeth in each half of both jaws 16. In man, the zymogen or chief cells are mainly found in
6. How many human teeth appear twice during the life span of (a) Cardiac part of stomach
an individual? (b) Pyloric part of stomach
(a) 16 (b) 32 (c) Duodenum
(c) 22 (d) 20 (d) Fundic part of stomach

7. Pulp cavity of a tooth is lined by 17. A narrow finger like tubular projection which is a vestigial
organ and arises from caecum is called
(a) Ameloblasts (b) Chondroblasts
(a) Wisdom teeth (b) Peyer’s patches
(c) Osteoblasts (d) Odontoblasts
(c) Vermiform appendix (d) Crypts of Lieberkuhn
8. Wisdom teeth is
18. Colon is divided into four parts that are
(a) Third molar, four in number (a) Upper, middle, distal and lower
(b) Third molar, two in number (b) Central, lateral, proximal and medial
(c) Second molar, four in number (c) Proximal, middle, lateral and distal
(d) Second molar, two in number (d) Ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid
138 Dropper NEET
 19. Following are given parts of small and large intestine 26. Liver is situated in
A. Caecum B. Colon (a) Thoracic cavity just above the diaphragm
C. Jejunum D. Rectum (b) Thoracic cavity just below the diaphragm
E. Duodenum F. Ileum
(c) Abdominal cavity just below the diaphragm
Choose the arrangement that lists the structures in (d) Abdominal cavity just above the diaphragm
the order in which food passes through them from the
small intestine to the anus 27. Structural and functional units of liver are called
(a) A – B – C – D – E – F (a) Glisson’s capsule (b) Hepatic cells
(b) E – C – F – A – B – D (c) Hepatic cords (d) Hepatic lobules
(c) D – E – B – C – A – F 28. Each hepatic lobule is covered by a thin connective tissue
(d) C – E – F – B – A – D known as
20. Which of the following is the correct chronological order (a) Malpighian capsule (b) Bowman’s capsule
for flow of food from mouth to anus? (c) Hepatic capsule (d) Glisson’s capsule
(a) Oesophagus → Stomach → Small intestine → Large 29. Duct of gall bladder is called
intestine (a) Cystic duct (b) Hepatic duct
(b) Large intestine → Oesophagus → Stomach → Small (c) Bile duct (d) Hepato-pancreatic duct
intestine
(c) Small intestine → Large intestine → Oesophagus → 30. Cystic duct along with the hepatic duct from liver forms the
Stomach (a) Hepato-pancreatic duct (b) Duct of santorini
(d) Stomach → Small intestine → Large intestine → (c) Common bile duct (d) Duct of rivinus
Oesophagus 31. Cholesterol is synthesised in
21. Which of the following layer forms lining the lumen of the (a) Brunner’s glands (b) Liver
alimentary canal? (c) Spleen (d) Pancreas
(a) Mucosa (b) Muscularis
32. Phagocytic cells of liver are
(c) Sub-mucosa (d) Serosa
(a) Acinar cells (b) Kupffer’s cells
22. Outermost layer of the wall of alimentary canal is made up (c) Deiter cells (d) Hensen cells
of
(a) Smooth muscles with some connective tissue 33. Gall bladder takes part in
(a) Secretion of bile (b) Storage of bile
(b) Thin mesothelium with some connective tissue
(c) Formation of bile salts (d) Formation of enzymes
(c) Loose connective tissues containing nerves, blood
and lymph vessels 34. Bile is secreted by
(d) Both (a) and (b) (a) Gall bladder (b) Liver
(c) Duodenum (d) Pancreas
DIGESTIVE GLANDS 35. Sphincter of oddi is present between
(a) Oesophagus and cardiac stomach
23. Digestive glands associated with the digestive system
includes (b) Pyloric stomach and duodenum
A. Salivary glands B. Gastric glands (c) Hepatic duct and cystic duct
C. Liver D. Pancreas (d) Hepato-pancreatic duct and duodenum
E. Brunner’s glands 36. If the bile-pancreatic duct is blocked then which of the
(a) A, B and E (b) B, C and D following will not be affected?
(c) A, B, C, D and E (d) A, C and D (a) Digestions of proteins
24. Types of salivary glands found in human are (b) Emulsification of fats
A. Parotids B. Sub-maxillary (c) Level of blood glucose
C. Sub-linguals D. Sub-mandibular (d) Digestion of starch
(a) A, B and C (b) B, C and D 37. Pancreas produces
(c) A, C and D (d) A, B, C and D (a) Three digestive enzymes and one hormone
25. Amount of saliva secreted per day is (b) Three digestive enzymes and two hormones
(a) 250 ml (b) 500 ml (c) Two digestive enzymes and one hormone
(c) 750 ml (d) 1000 ml (d) Three digestive enzymes and no hormone
Digestion and Absorption 139
DIGESTION OF FOOD 49. Curdling of milk in small intestine would occur with the
help of
38. Which of the following is /are the major function of buccal
(a) Rennin (b) Erepsin
cavity?
(c) Trypsin (d) Chymotrypsin
(a) Mastication of food
(b) Facilitation of absorption 50. Mucus and bicarbonates present in the gastric juice play an
(c) Facilitation of swallowing important role in
(d) Both (a) and (c) (a) Lubrication of the mucosal epithelium
(b) Protection of the mucosal epithelium from
39. Bolus passes down through the oesophagus by successive excoriation by the highly concentrated HCl
waves of muscular contractions called
(c) Providing the acidic condition in the stomach for the
(a) Deglutition (b) Peristalsis action of pepsin and rennin
(c) Swallowing (d) Both (a) and (b) (d) Both (a) and (b)
40. Stomach stores food for 51. Hydrolysis of lipids produces
(a) 2-3 hours (b) 3-4 hours (a) Glycerine and glycerol
(c) 4-5 hours (d) 1-2 hours (b) Fatty acids and trihydroxy alcohol
41. Hormone that stimulates stomach to secrete gastric juice is (c) Glycine
(a) Rennin (b) Enterokinase (d) All of the above
(c) Enterogastrone (d) Gastrin 52. Bile juice helps in the digestion of fats due to the
42. Food mixes throughly with the acidic gastric juice of the presence of
stomach by the churning movements of its muscular wall (a) Bile salts (b) Bile pigments
and is called (c) Enzymes (d) HCl
(a) Bolus (b) Chyle
53. Pancreatic juice takes part in digestion of
(c) Chyme (d) Chylomicron
(a) Proteins and carbohydrates
43. Rennin acts on milk protein and changes (b) Proteins, fats and carbohydrates
(a) Caseinogen into casein
(c) Proteins and fats
(b) Casein into paracasein
(d) Proteins only
(c) Caseinogen into paracasein
(d) Paracasein into caseinogen 54. Enzyme which does not directly act upon food substrate is
(a) Trypsin (b) Lipase
44. HCl in gastric juice
(a) Inactivates ptyalin and activates pepsin (c) Enterokinase (d) Amylopepsin
(b) Activates ptyalin and inactivates pepsin 55. Absence of enterokinase will affect which of the following
(c) Inactivates both ptyalin and pepsin process?
(d) Activates both ptyalin and pepsin (a) Amylose → Maltose
45. Partially digested semisolid food formed in stomach is (b) Proteoses → Dipeptide
(a) Chyle (b) Chyme (c) Lipid → Fatty acid + Glycerol
(c) Bolus (d) Amino acid (d) Dipeptide → Amino acids
46. Secretion(s) released in the small intestine is/are 56. After absorption of digested lipids become milky, then
(a) Bile juice (b) Pancreatic juice these lipoprotein droplets are called as
(c) Intestinal juice (d) All of the above
(a) Chyme (b) Chyle
47. Among the following, how many enzymes are present in (c) Chylomicron (d) Micelles
pancreatic juice:
Trypsinogen, amylases, lipases, nucleosidases, nucleases, 57. Which set of organ and histological structures are present in
chymotrypsinogen, enterokinase, procarboxy-peptidase correct order?
(a) 5 (b) 6 (a) Stomach-Goblet cells, brunner’s glands, zymogen
(c) 7 (d) 8 cells
48. Secretions of the brush border cells of the mucosa along with (b) Intestine-Goblet cells, crypts of Leiberkuhn,
the secretions of the goblet cells constitute the submucosa
(a) Pancreatic juice (b) Succus entericus (c) Lung-Vocal sacs, bronchioles, bronchus
(c) Intestinal juice (d) Both (b) and (c) (d) Kidney-Glomerulus, alveoli, loops of henle
140 Dropper NEET
 58. pH of succus entericus is 68. Most digestion and absorption takes place in
(a) 6.8 (b) 5.6 (a) Stomach (b) Caecum
(c) 1.8 (d) 7.8 (c) Small intestine (d) Large intestine
59. Lactose is hydrolysed into 69. Part of alimentary canal meant for reabsorption of water
(a) Glucose + Fructose (b) Only fructose from chyle is
(c) Glucose + Galactose (d) Only glucose (a) Small intestine (b) Colon
(c) Mouth (d) Rectum
60. Enzyme maltase of human gut acts on food at
70. Absorbed substances finally reach the tissues which utilise
(a) pH less than 7, changes maltose to fructose
them for their activities. This process is called
(b) pH more than 7, changes maltose to glucose
(a) Defecation (b) Metabolism
(c) pH less than 7, changes starch to maltose
(c) Catabolism (d) Assimilation
(d) pH more than 7,changes starch to maltose
71. Defaecation is carried out by mass peristaltic movement
61. Cattle are able to digest cellulose which humans cannot and is a
because cattle have (a) Voluntary process
(a) Cellulose digesting bacteria (b) Involuntary process
(b) More efficient digestive system (c) Partly voluntary and partly involuntary process
(c) Large stomach (d) Initially involuntary process then voluntary process
(d) Long intestines 72. Yellow colour of faeces is due to
62. Undigested and unabsorbed substances called faeces enters (a) Excessive turmeric
into the caecum of large intestine through (b) Bile
(a) Pyloric sphincter (c) Degradation product of haemoglobin
(b) Gastro-oesophageal sphincter (d) None of the above
(c) Ileo-caecal valve DISORDERS OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND
(d) Sphincter of oddi PEM
ABSORPTION OF DIGESTED PRODUCTS 73. The most common ailment of the digestive system is
(a) Jaundice
63. Process by which the end products of digestion pass through (b) Inflammation of the intestinal tract
the intestinal mucosa into the blood or lymph is called (c) Constipation
(d) Indigestion leading to feeling of fullness
(a) Absorption (b) Assimilation
(c) Micturition (d) Excretion 74. Vomiting centre is located in
(a) Pons (b) Cerebrum
64. Which one leaves human stomach at the earliest? (c) Cerebellum (d) Medulla
(a) Fat (b) Carbohydrates
75. Ejection of stomach contents through the mouth is called
(c) Protein (d) Beer
(a) Constipation (b) Indigestion
65. Intestinal villi are mainly concerned with (c) Diarrhoea (d) Vomiting
(a) Assimilation (b) Absorption 76. A patient is advised to specially consume more meat, lentil,
(c) Secretion (d) Ultra-filtration milk and eggs in diet when the patient suffers from
66. Lacteals take part in (a) Kwashiorkor (b) Scurvy
(c) Rickets (d) Anaemia
(a) Digestion of milk
(b) Absorption of fat/fatty acids and glycerol 77. Marasmus is caused by deficiency of
(c) Digestion of lactic acid (a) Carbohydrates (b) Proteins
(d) None of the above (c) Vitamins (d) Both (a) and (b)
78. Faeces are retained within the rectum as the bowel
67. In small intestine, active absorption occurs in case of movements occur irregularly in
(a) Glucose (b) Amino acids (a) Constipation (b) Diarrhoea
(c) Na ion
+
(d) All of the above (c) Indigestion (d) Vomiting

Digestion and Absorption 141

 Learning Plus
1. Match the columns and choose the correct combination 7. Find out the correct sequence of substrate, enzyme and product
from the options given Pepsin
(a) Small intestine : Proteins → Amino acid
Lipase
Column I Column II (b) Stomach : Fat → Micelle
Trypsin
A. Stomach 1. C-shaped (c) Duodenum : Triglycerides  →
B. Duodenum 2. U-shaped Monoglycerides
α− Amylase
C. Villi 3. J-shaped (d) Small intestine : Starch  → Maltose
D. Rugae 4. Finger like 8. What will happen if secretion of parietal cells of gastric
5. Irregular glands is blocked?
(a) A—3, B—2, C—4, D–—5 (a) Gastric juice is deficient of pepsinogen
(b) A—2, B—3, C—5, D–—4 (b) Gastric juice is deficient of chymosin
(c) A—3, B—1, C—4, D–—5 (c) Deficiency of HCl leads to non-conversion of
inactive pepsinogen into active pepsin
(d) A—1, B—3, C—4, D–—5
(d) Non-release of enterokinase from duodenal mucosa
2. Read the following statements and find out the incorrect and non-conversion of trypsinogen into trypsin
statement
9. Ptyalin of saliva acts in
(a) No significant digestive activity occurs in large
(a) Slightly alkaline (7.8) medium
intestine.
(b) Slightly acidic (6.8) medium
(b) Bile released into the duodenum contains bile
(c) Neutral (7.00) medium
pigments, bile salts (bilirubin and bili-verdin),
(d) Strongly acidic (3.2) medium
cholesterol and phospholipids with enzymes
(c) Activities of the gastro-intestinal tract are under 10. Oxyntic cells are located in
neural and hormonal control for proper coordination (a) Islets of Langerhans and secrete glucagon
of different parts (b) Gastric epithelium and secrete pepsin
(d) Gastric and intestinal secretions are stimulated by (c) Gastric glands and secrete HCl
neural signals (d) Kidneys and secrete renin
3. The center of hunger which regulates the amount of food we 11. Blood of anaemic patient has large immature nucleated
eat or our appetite is located in erythrocytes without haemoglobin. His diet should be
(a) Medulla (b) Cerebrum supplemented with
(a) Folic acid and cobalamin (b) Thiamine
(c) Hypothalamus (d) Alimentary canal
(c) Iron compounds (d) Riboflavin
4. Which is the element that hardens the tooth enamel?
12. If the chyme of a person who had orally consumed only
(a) Calcium (b) Fluorine
starch as food is analysed before it enters the duodenum, it
(c) Iodine (d) Sodium will show the presence of
5. Egestion of faeces to the outside through the anal opening is (a) Maltose and glucose
called (b) Dextrin and maltose
(a) Ingestion (b) Metabolism (c) Starch, dextrin and maltose
(c) Defaecation (d) Excretion (d) Starch, dextrin and glucose

6. Absorption of glycerol, fatty acids and monoglycerides 13. In pancreatic juice, which of the following are secreted in
takes place by inactive form as proenzymes?
(a) Lymph vessels within villi (a) Trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen & carboxypeptidases
(b) Walls of stomach (b) Pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin
(c) Colon (c) Trypsinogen only
(d) Capillaries within villi (d) Trypsin and chymotrypsin only

142 Dropper NEET

 14. Which enzymes are likely to act on the baked potatoes eaten 21. Match the following columns
by a man, starting from the mouth and as it moves down the Column I Column II
alimentary canal?
A. Duodenum 1. A cartilaginous flap
(a) Salivary maltase → Carboxypeptidase → Trypsinogen
B. Epiglottis 2. Small blind sac
(b) Pancreatic amylase → Salivary amylase → Lipases
C. Glottis 3. ‘C’ shaped structure emerging
(c) Disaccharidase like maltase → Lipases → Nucleases from the stomach
(d) Salivary amylase → Pancreatic amylase → D. Caecum 4. Opening of wind pipe
Disaccharides
15. Select the incorrect statement about villi (a) A-1 B-2 C-3 D-4
(a) They possess microvilli (b) A-4 B-3 C-2 D-1
(b) They increase the surface area (c) A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2
(c) They are supplied with capillaries and the lacteal vessels (d) A-2 B-4 C-1 D-3
(d) They only participate in digestion of fats
22. Jaundice is yellowing of the skin due to accumulation of
16. Which of the following processes is helped by bile salts? bilrubin and /or other products of haemoglobin breakdown.
(a) Nucleic acid  Nuclease
→ Nucleotides 
Nucleotidase
→ Bilirubin is formed in the blood but is further transformed
Nucleosides  Nucleosidase
→ Sugar + bases by the liver and excreted in the bile. Which of the following
(b) Sucrose  Sucrase
→ Glucose + Fructose is a cause of jaundice?
(c) Fats  (a) Excessive fragility of RBCs
Lipases
→ Diglycerides → Monoglycerides
(b) Hepatitis and gall stones
Proteins 
 Trypsin/Chymotrypsin (c) Cancer of pancreas
(d) Peptones   → Dipeptides

Carboxypeptidase (d) All of the above
Proteoses 
23. Match the enzyme with their respective substrate and
17. Hepato-pancreatic duct opens into the duodenum and carries choose the right one among options given
(a) Bile (b) Pancreatic juice Column I Column II
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Saliva
A. Lipase 1. Dipeptides
18. Glottis is a structure which
(a) Prevents entry of food into windpipe while B. Nuclease 2. Fats
swallowing food C. Carboxypeptidase 3. Nucleic acids
(b) Allows food to pass into oesophagus D. Dipeptidases 4. Proteins, peptones and
(c) Produces sound as air is forced through it proteoses
(d) Allows air to enter in trachea
19. One of the following is not a common disorder associated (a) A-2 B-3 C-1 D-4
with digestive system (b) A-3 B-4 C-2 D-1
(a) Tetanus (b) Diarrhoea (c) A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2
(c) Jaundice (d) Dysentery (d) A-2 B-3 C-4 D-1
20. Match the following columns and select the correct among
24. When maltase acts, result is
options given
(a) Glucose + Glucose (b) Glucose + Galactose
Column I Column II
(c) Glucose + Fructose (d) Cellobiose + Fructose
A. Biomacromolecules 1. Alimentary canal and
25. Liver is the largest gland and is associated with various
of food associated gland
functions, choose one which is not correct
B. Human digestive 2. Outer wall of visceral
(a) Metabolism of carbohydrate
system organs
(b) Digestion of fat
C. Stomach 3. Converted into simple
(c) Formation of bile
substances
(d) Secretion of hormone called gastrin
D. Serosa 4. J-shaped bag like structure
26. If the epiglottis does not function correctly, then what will
(a) A-2 B-1 C-4 D-3 happen to the human being?
(b) A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2 (a) One might congest
(c) A-1 B-2 C-3 D-4 (b) Peristalsis will discontinue
(c) Acid reflux disease will damage the oesophagus
(d) A-1 B-3 C-2 D-4
(d) Swallowing will be difficult or impossible
Digestion and Absorption 143
 Multiconcept MCQs
1. Function of chylomicrons 5. Match the columns and find out the correct combination
(a) They transport endogenously synthesised A. Kupffer cells 1. Salivary glands
triacylglycerols from the liver to the periphery B. Crypts of Lieberkuhn 2. Tooth
(b) They are responsible for reverse cholesterol transport,
C. Serous cells 3. Liver
i.e., from the periphery to the liver
D. Odonotoblasts 4. Intestine
(c) They transport dietary fat from the intestine to the
peripheral tissues (a) A-1 B-3 C-2 D-4
(d) They transport cholesterol esters to peripheral tissues (b) A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
2. Which one of the following four secretions in correctly (c) A-2 B-4 C-3 D-1
matched with its source, target and nature of action? (d) A-4 B-1 C-2 D-3
Secretion Source Target Action 6. Which of the following pairs of the kind of cells and their
(a) Gastrin Stomach Oxyntic cells Produc- secretion is correctly matched?
lining tion of (a) Oxyntic cells - Secretion with pH between 2.0 and 3.0
HCl (b) Alpha cells of islets of Langerhans - Secretion that
(b) Inhibin Sertoli Hypothala- Inhibition decreases blood sugar level
cells mus of secre- (c) Kupffer cells - Digestive enzyme that hydrolyses
tion of nucleic acids
gonado- (d) Sebaceous glands - Secretion that evaporates for
tropin cooling
(c) Enteroki- Duode- Gall bladder Release of
7. Match the columns and find out the correct combination
nase num bile juice
(d) Atrial Natri- Sinoatri- Juxta-glomer- Inhibition A. Salivary amylase 1. Proteins
uretic Factor al node ular appara- of release
(ANF) (SAN) and tus (JGA) of renin B. Bile salts 2. Milk proteins
M-cells of
Atria
C. Rennin 3. Starch

D. Pepsin 4. Emulsification of fats

3. Which one of the following is not the reason for very high
load of bilirubin in a newborn?
(a) Excessive red blood corpuscles in the newborn burst, (a) A-5 B-4 C-1 D-2
releasing the bilirubin (b) A-2 B-3 C-4 D-5
(b) The liver of the newborn is too young to cope up (c) A-2 B-4 C-3 D-1
with the heavy load of bilirubin
(c) Mother’s milk contain a high amount of bilirubin (d) A-3 B-5 C-2 D-1
(d) Insoluble bilirubin in the intestine is reabsorbed by 8. Which one of the following statement is true regarding
the blood digestion and absorption of food in humans?
4. Dental formula of a species is represents as following (a) Fructose and amino acids are absorbed through
intestinal mucosa with the help of carrier ions
2123
. Select the incorrect statement about it like Na +
2123
(b) Chylomicrons are small lipoprotein particles that are
(a) Upper jaw has 2 canine transported form intestine into blood capillaries
(b) Lower jaw is having 16 teeth (c) About 60% of starch is hydrolysed by salivary
(c) Number of premolars in lower jaw is less than amylases in our mouth
number of premolars (d) Oxyntic cells in our stomach secrete the proenzyme
(d) Incisors are 4 in upper jaw pepsinogen

144 Dropper NEET

 9. Match the columns and find out the correct combination (a) A-3 B-2 C-4 D-1
A. Rennin 1. Fats emulsification
(b) A-2 B-3 C-1 D-4
B. Bile salts 2. Mucous secretion
(c) A-2 B-3 C-4 D-1
C. Brunner’s glands 3. Hydrochloric acid
(d) A-4 B-3 C-1 D-2
D. Oxyntic cells 4. Curdling of milk
14. Read the following statements and choose incorrect
(a) A-2 B-3 C-4 D-1 statement
(b) A-1 B-4 C-2 D-3 (a) Saliva contains a starch digesting enzyme which
breaks α-glycosidic bond
(c) A-2 B-4 C-3 D-1 (b) Undigested food becomes semisolid in nature due to
(d) A-4 B-1 C-2 D-3 the absorption of water in large intestine
(c) Tongue is only used for the finding taste of food
10. Choose incorrect statement with respect to human
(d) Lymph vessels ultimately release the absorbed
digestive system
substance into the blood stream
(a) Alimentary canal opens out anteriorly through the anus
(b) Majority of mammals including human being forms 15. Select the incorrect statement w.r.t this diagram
two sets of teeth during their life
(c) Each tooth is embedded in a socket of jaw bone.
This type of attachment is called thecodont
(d) Tongue is a freely movable muscular organ attached
to the floor of the oral cavity
11. Match the columns and find out the correct combination
A. Hepatic lobule 1. Sub-mucosal glands
B. Brunner’s glands 2. Base of villi
C. Crypts of Lieberkuhn 3. Glisson’s capsule (a) B is a lymph vessel
(b) C, D and F are blood vessels
D. Cystic duct 4. Gall bladder
(c) E is indicating intestinal gland
(a) A-3 B-4 C-2 D-1 (d) A is representing the microvilli
16. Read the following statements and choose incorrect one
(b) A-1 B-2 C-3 D-4
(a) Gastric glands have parietal cells which secretes a
(c) A-3 B-1 C-2 D-4 specific factor which is essential for absorption of
cyanocobalamin
(d) A-4 B-1 C-3 D-2
(b) In omnivorous animals, length of GIT is more than
12. A person is suffering with swollen lips, thick pigmented carnivorous but less than herbivorous
(c) Pancreatic mucous also contain bicarbonate ions
skin of hands and legs. The most probable cause is
(d) Trypsin is activated by an enzyme enterokinase
(a) Beri-beri due to the deficiency of thiamine
secreted by gastric mucosa
(b) Pellagra due to the deficiency of vitamin niacin 17. Choose wrong statement
(c) Deficiency of glucocorticoids (a) Small amounts of lipases are also secreted by gastric
(d) Marasmus due to the deficiency of protein and car- glands
bohydrates (b) Fats are broken down by lipases with the help of bile
13. Match the columns and find out the correct combination into di-and monoglycerides
A. Sphincter 1. Between duodenum and poste- (c) Bile also activates lipases
of anus rior stomach (d) Brunner’s glands helps in maintaing acidic pH
B. Cardiac 2. Guarding the terminal part of 18. Consider A, B for oesophagus and choose option which
sphincter alimentary canal have all correct statements for it
A. It is a thin and long tube
C. Ileocaecal 3. Between oesophagus and ante-
sphincter rior stomach B. It extends anteriorly passing through neck, thorax
and diaphragm
D. Pyloric 4. Between small intestine and (a) Only A (b) Both A & B
sphincter bowel (c) Only B (d) None the above

Digestion and Absorption 145

19. Read the following statement and choose incorrect one
(a) Submucosal glands present in jejunum, secretes HCO3–
to protect mucosal epithelium
(b) Bile released into the duodenum contains bile
pigments, bile salts, cholesterol and phospholids but
no enzymes
(c) Excoriation of epithelium of stomach from highly
concentrated HCl is protected by mucous and
bicarbonates
(d) Trypsinogen is activated by an enzyme enterokinase
20. Read the following statements and find out the incorrect
statement
A. The dorsal surface of tongue has small projections
called papillae and these all bear taste buds
B. Oesophagus opens into the cardiac part of stomach
C. Arrangement of teeth in each half of upper and lower
jaw is represented by dental formula
D. Rectum is a small sac which hosts some symbiotic
micro-organisms
(a) A and D (b) B and D
(c) B and C (d) A and C
21. Which one of the following statement is correct with
respect to digestion in humans?
(a) The process of digestion is accomplished by chemical
processes only
(b) About 50-60% starch is digested in the mouth
(c) Salivary amylase breaks starch into maltose in the
mouth at slightly acidic pH
(d) About 30% maltose is broken down to glucose in the
mouth itself
22. Read the following statements carefully and choose how
many statements are incorrect
A. Undigested food become solid in nature and then
enters into the rectum
B. Salivary amylase digests starch
C. Food enters into the oesophagus in the form of bolus
D. In stomach, mainly protein digestion take place
(a) One (b) Two
(c) Three (d) Four
23. Which of the following statements regarding small intestine
are incorrect?
A. Through the small intestine, there are crypts of
Lieberkuhn at the base of the villi
B. In doudenum, there are, in addition, small rounded
peptic glands
146
C. Small intestine is strongly self-protective, by means
of production of mucus and a mechanism for the
rapid replacement of cells damaged by contact with
food and digestive juices
D. Each villus is richly supplied with blood capillaries
only
(a) A and D (b) B and D
(c) C and D (d) A and B
24. Which of the following is correct about chylomicrons?
A. Chylomicrons are produced in the epithelial cells of
small intestine
B. It contains triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids
C. It is protein coated small vesicle
D. Chylomicrons released from the epithelial cells into
lacteals
(a) A and D (b) B and C
(c) A, B, C and D (d) Only B
25. Which of the following statement is incorrect?
(a) Faecal accumulation in the rectum initiates a neural
reflex causing an urge for its removal
(b) Reflex action for vomiting is controlled by medulla
(c) Irregular bowel movements cause constipation
(d) In diarrhoea, absorption of food is increased
26. In a person, due to certain abnormality, brush-bordered cells
of intestine not developed. In this condition what would
happen?
A. Complete digestion of protein does not occur
B. Complete digestion of fat does not occur
C. Complete digestion of carbohydrate does not occur
D. No absorption at all
(a) Only A & B (b) Only D
(c) Only A & C (d) All of the above
27. “All the four layers shows modification in different parts of
the alimentary canal”. This statement is true for
(a) Submucosa as in case of jejunum and ileum, it
contains Brunner’s glands
(b) Serosa as in case of oesophagus, it does not contain
mesothelium
(c) Muscularis as in case of stomach, it contain oblique
muscle layer just below the serosa
(d) Mucosa as in case of stomach, it form blunt villi and
gastric glands
Dropper NEET
 NEET Past 10 Years Questions
1. Succus entericus is referred to as (2021) Select the correct option from the following
(a) Intestinal juice (b) Gastric juice A B C D
(c) Chyme (d) Pancreatic juice (a) (iii) (i) (ii) (iv)
(b) (ii) (iv) (i) (iii)
2. Sphincter of oddi is present at (2021)
(c) (iii) (iv) (i) (ii)
(a) Junction of hepato-pancreatic duct and duodenum
(d) (iii) (ii) (i) (iv)
(b) Gastro-oesophageal junction
(c) Junction of jejunum and duodenum 9. Which of the following terms describe human dentition?
 (2018)
(d) Ileo-caecal junction
(a) Thecodont, Diphyodont, Homodont
3. Enzyme enterokinase helps in conversion of (2020) (b) Thecodont, Diphyodont, Heterodont
(a) Trypsinogen into trypsin (c) Pleurodont, Monophyodont, Homodont
(b) Caseinogen into casein (d) Pleurodont, Diphyodont, Heterodont
(c) Pepsinogen into pepsin 10. Which of the following gastric cells indirectly help in
(d) Protein into polypeptides erythropoiesis?  (2018)
(a) Chief cells (b) Mucous cells
4. Identify the correct statement with reference to human
digestive system  (2020)
(c) Goblet cells (d) Parietal cells

(a) Serosa is the innermost layer of the alimentary canal 11. Which cells of ‘Crypts of Lieberkuhn’ secrete antibacterial
(b) Ileum is a highly coiled part lysozyme?  (2017)
(a) Argentaffin cells (b) Paneth cells
(c) Vermiform appendix arises from duodenum
(c) Zymogen cells (d) Kupffer cells
(d) Ileum opens into small intestine
12. A baby boy aged two years is admitted to play school and
5. Proteolytic enzyme rennin is found in
passes through a dental check-up. The dentist observed that
 (2020 Covid Re-NEET) the boy had twenty teeth. Which teeth were absent? (2017)
(a) Bile juice (b) Gastric juice (a) Incisors (b) Canines
(c) Pancreatic juice (d) Intestinal juice (c) Pre-molars (d) Molars
6. Intrinsic factor that helps in the absorption of vitamin B12 is 13. Which of the following options best represents the enzyme
secreted by  (2020 Covid Re-NEET) composition of pancreatic juice? (2017)

(a) Hepatic cells (b) Oxyntic cells (a) Amylase, peptidase, trypsinogen, rennin
(c) Chief cells (d) Goblet cells (b) Amylase, pepsin, trypsinogen, maltase
(c) Peptidase, amylase, pepsin, rennin
7. Identify the cells whose secretion protects the lining of
(d) Lipase, amylase, trypsinogen, procarboxypeptidase
gastro-intestinal tract from various enzymes (2019)
(a) Chief Cells (b) Goblet Cells 14. Which of the following guards the opening of
hepatopancreatic duct into the duodenum?  (2016 - I)
(c) Oxyntic Cells (d) Duodenal Cells
(a) Semilunar valve (b) Ileocaecal valve
8. Match the following structures with their respective location (c) Pyloric sphincter (d) Sphincter of Oddi
in organs  (2019)
15. Gastric juice of infants contains (2015)
A. Crypts of Lieberkuhn (i) Pancreas (a) Pepsinogen, lipase, rennin
B. Glisson’s Capsule (ii) Duodenum (b) Amylase, lipase, pepsinogen
C. Islets of Langerhans (iii) Small intestine (c) Maltase, pepsinogen, rennin
D. Brunner’s Glands (iv) Liver (d) Nuclease, pepsinogen, lipase

Digestion and Absorption 147

16. Which of the following statement is not correct? (2015) 20. The initial step in the digestion of milk in humans is carried
(a) Oxyntic cells are present in the mucosa of stomach out by  (2014)

and secrete HCl (a) Pepsin (b) Lipase

(b) Acini are present in the pancreas and secrete (c) Trypsin (d) Rennin
carboxypeptidase 21. Select the correct match of the digested products in humans
(c) Brunner’s gland is present in the submucosa of given in column I with their absorption site and mechanism
in column II  (2013)
stomach and secrete pepsinogen
Column I Column II
(d) Goblet cells are present in the mucosa of intestine
Cholesterol, Large intestine, active
and secrete mucus (a)
maltose absorption
17. The primary dentition in human differs from permanent Glycine, Small intestine, active
dentition in not having one of the following types of teeth (b)
glucose absorption
 (2015 Re) Small intestine, passive
(c) Fructose, Na+
(a) Premolars (b) Molars absorption
(c) Incisors (d) Canine Glycerol, fatty Duodenum, move as
(d)
acids Chylomicrons
18. Enzyme that is not present in succus entericus is
 (2015 Re) 22. Where do certain symbiotic microorganisms normally
(a) Nucleases (b) Nucleosidase occur in human body?  (2012 Mains)

(c) Lipase (d) Maltase (a) Caecum

(b) Oral lining and tongue surface
19. Fructose is absorbed into the blood through mucosa cells of
intestine by the process called  (2014)
(c) Vermiform appendix and rectum
(a) Co-transport mechanism (d) Duodenum
(b) Active transport 23. Anxiety and eating spicy food together in an otherwise
(c) Facilitated transport normal human, may lead to (2012 Pre)

(d) Simple diffusion (a) Vomiting (b) Indigestion

(c) Jaundice (d) Diarrhoea

148 Dropper NEET

 ANSWER KEY

Topicwise Questions
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (d) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (c) 10. (a)
11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (c) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (d) 19. (b) 20. (a)
21. (a) 22. (b) 23. (d) 24. (d) 25. (d) 26. (c) 27. (d) 28. (d) 29. (a) 30. (c)
31. (b) 32. (b) 33. (b) 34. (b) 35. (d) 36. (c) 37. (b) 38. (d) 39. (b) 40. (c)
41. (d) 42. (c) 43. (b) 44. (a) 45. (b) 46. (d) 47. (b) 48. (d) 49. (d) 50. (d)
51. (b) 52. (a) 53. (b) 54. (c) 55. (b) 56. (c) 57. (b) 58. (d) 59. (c) 60. (b)
61. (a) 62. (c) 63. (a) 64. (d) 65. (b) 66. (b) 67. (d) 68. (c) 69. (b) 70. (d)
71. (a) 72. (c) 73. (b) 74. (d) 75. (d) 76. (a) 77. (d) 78. (a)

Learning Plus
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (c)
11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (a) 14. (d) 15. (d) 16. (c) 17. (c) 18. (d) 19. (a) 20. (b)
21. (c) 22. (d) 23. (d) 24. (a) 25. (d) 26. (a)

Multiconcept MCQs
1.(c) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (a)
11. (c) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (c) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (d) 18. (a) 19. (a) 20. (a)
21. (c) 22. (c) 23. (b) 24. (c) 25. (d) 26. (c) 27. (b)

NEET Past 10 Years Questions

1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (b) 12. (c) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (a) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (a) 23. (b)

Digestion and Absorption 149

 16 Digestion and
Absorption
Topicwise Questions
1. (a) One of the most basic needs of all living organisms
is food. Carbohydrates, protein and fats are the
three main components of the human diet.
2. (a) Water plays a vital function in metabolic processes
and prevents the organism from becoming
dehydrated.
3. (d) Digestion is the mechanical and biological method
for conversion of complex dietary molecules to
simple absorbable forms which is carried out by our
digestive system.
4. (d) Alimentary canal and associated/digestive glands
make up the human digestive system.
5. (d) Dental formula depicts the number and kind of
teeth in one half of each jaw.
6. (d) In a human life, there are 20 teeth that grow twice
(8 incisors, 4 canines and 8 molars).
They are diphyodont but premolars and the two
last molars(wisdom teeth) do not grow twice i.e
monophyodont are appear once in the life of human
beings.
7. (d) Odontoblasts line the pulp cavity of a tooth. It is
dentine-forming cells present in the pulp cavity.
8. (a) Wisdom teeth are third molars and 4 in number.
9. (c) Mammalian teeth are thecodont that means teeth
are embedded into socket.
10. (a) Enamel is the hard chewing surface of teeth that
aids in the mastication of food.
11. (d) Tongue is a free-moving muscular organ connected
to the oral cavity’s floor by the frenulum.
12. (c) Pharynx serves as a common passage for food and
air.
13. (c) The epiglottis is a cartilaginous flap over the glottis
that stops food entering into the respiratory tract.
14. (a) Glottis is the opening of the trachea or wind pipe.
15. (c) Stomach is j-shaped bag like structure present in the
upper left portion of the abdominal cavity. It has 3
parts Cardiac portion, Fundic, Pyloric.
16. (d) The zymogen or chief cells are mostly found in the
fundic part of the stomach in humans.
It secretes the proenzyme pepsinogen. Pepsinogen
in the acidic medium by HCl convert into an active
form pepsin. Then, it helps in digestion of protein
into smaller peptides.
17. (c) Vermiform appendix is a vestigial structure that
emerges from the caecum.
18. (d) Colon is a part of large intestine. Caecum open into
colon.
There are four components to the colon: ascending,
transverse, descending and Sigmoid.
19. (b) Small intestine is the alimentary canal’s biggest,
narrowest and tubular section. The proximal
duodenum, middle jejunum and distal ileum are
the three sections. The caecum, colon, and rectum
are the three sections of the large intestine. The
components that convey food from the small
intestine to the anus should be arranged as follows:
Duodenum → Jejunum → Ileum → Caecum →
Colon → Rectum
20. (a) The lumen alimentary canal is made up of the
following sections:
Oesophagus → Stomach → Small intestine →
Large intestine
21. (a) The lining of the alimentary canal is made up of
mucosa. This layer forms irregular folds(rugae) in
the stomach and small finger like projection(villi) in
the small intestine. Mucosal epithelium has goblet
cells which produce mucus that helps in lubrication.
Glands are also present in the mucosa.
 22. (b) The outermost layer of the alimentary canal wall
is serosa, composed of thin mesothelium (visceral
organ epithelium) with some connective tissue.
23. (d) Digestive glands associated with the digestive
system includes
• Salivary glands
• Liver
• Pancreas
24. (d) Human salivary glands are 6 in number that
are present outside the buccal cavity. It include
the Parotids, Sub-lingual and Submaxillary/Sub-
mandibular glands. They secrete saliva inside the
buccal cavity.
25. (d) Each day, 1000 ml of saliva is secreted by the
salivary gland that are present outside the buccal
cavity. Saliva contains electrolyte and enzymes
(salivary amylase, lysozyme).
26. (c) Liver is the largest gland of the body weighing about
1.2 to 1.5kg in an adult human. It is located directly
below the diaphragm in the abdominal cavity.
27. (d) Hepatic lobules are the structural and functional
units of the liver containing hepatic cells arranged in
the form of cords.
28. (d) Glisson’s capsule is a thin connective tissue sheath
that surrounds each hepatic lobule.
29. (a) Cystic duct is the name given to the gall bladder
duct.
30. (c) Common bile duct is formed by the cystic duct and
the hepatic duct from the liver.
31. (b) Cholesterol is made in the liver.
32. (b) Kupffer’s cells are phagocytic cells in the liver.
33. (b) Gall bladder is involved in the storage of bile.
34. (b) Bile is produced by the hepatic cells passes through
the hepatic ducts and is stored and concentrated in a
thin muscular sac called gall bladder.
35. (d) Sphincter of oddi guards the entry of the hepato-
pancreatic duct in the duodenum.
36. (c) Glucose levels will not be altered since the insulin
hormone is secreted by the pancreas can maintain
glucose levels and hormones do not flow through the
duct.
37. (b) Pancreas is a compound (both exocrine and
endocrine) elongated organ situated between the
limbs of U-shaped duodenum, a part of small
intestine. The exocrine portion secretes an alkaline
pancreatic juice containing enzymes. Endocrine
portion secretes hormones, insulin and glucagon.
38. (d) Buccal cavity’s primary role is to aid in food
mastication and facilitation of swallowing with the
help of teeth and tongue.
Digestion and Absorption
39. (b) Bolus travels down the oesophagus through
peristalsis, which is a series of muscle contractions.
40. (c) Food is stored in the stomach for 4-5 hours. The
food mixes thoroughly with the acidic gastric juice
of the stomach by the churning movements of its
muscular wall and is called chyme.
41. (d) Hormone that stimulates stomach to secrete gastric
juice is gastrin. Gastric juice contains water, HCl,
inactive enzymes and electrolytes. Gastric juice is
highly acidic to convert inactive enzyme to it active
form.
42. (c) The chyme is formed when food is thoroughly
mixed with the stomach’s acidic gastric liquid by
the churning movements of its muscular wall.
43. (b) Rennin is a proteolytic enzyme found in gastric juice
of infants which binds to milk proteins and converts
casein to paracasein and helps in the digestion of
milk protein.
44. (a) HCl is secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach.
HCl in gastric juice inactivate ptyalin(salivary
amylase) and optimal for the pepsins. In the presence
of HCl, inactive pepsinogen converted into an active
form, pepsin that helps in the digestion of protein
into proteoses and peptones(peptides).
45. (b) Chyme is partially digested semisolid food that
forms in the stomach.
46. (d) Bile juice, pancreatic juice and intestinal juice are
among the secretions secreted in the small intestine.
47. (b) The following enzymes are found in pancreatic
juice:Amylases, lipases, nucleases, chymotrypsinogen
and procarboxy-peptidase, trypsinogen.
48. (d) Succus entericus, or intestinal juice, is made up of
the secretions of the brush border cells of the mucosa
and the secretions of the goblet cells.
49. (d) With the help of chymotrypsin, milk would curdle in
the small intestine.
50. (d) Mucus and bicarbonates in the gastric juice lubricate
and protect the mucosal epithelium from excoriation
by the highly concentrated HCI.
51. (b) Lipid hydrolysis yields fatty acids and trihydroxy
alcohol (glycerol).
52. (a) Due to the presence of bile salts, bile juice aids
in the digestion of lipids (sodium glycolate and
taurocolate).
53. (b) Pancreatic juice takes part in digestion of
carbohydrates, protein and fats.
54. (c) Enterokinase is an enzyme that does not directly
act on the dietary substrate (it acts on another
proenzyme trypsinogen).
107
55. (b) Absence of enterokinase will affect formation of
dipeptide from proteoses.
56. (c) Fatty acids and glycerol being insoluble, can not be
absorbed into the blood. They are first incorporated
into small droplets called micelles which move into
the intestinal mucosa.
After absorption of digested lipids by lymphatics
of small intestine, these become milky, then these
lipoprotein droplets are called as chylomicron.
(small protein coated fat globule)
57. (b) Correct sequence -Intestine-goblet cells, crypts of
Leiberkuhn, submucosa
58. (d) Succus entericus has a pH of 7.8.
59. (c) Lactose → Glucose + Galactose
60. (b) The human gut enzyme maltase converts maltose to
glucose when the pH of the food is more than 7
61. (a) Because cattle have cellulose-digesting bacteria,
they can digest cellulose but humans cannot due to
the absence of cellulase enzyme.
62. (c) The ileo-caecal valve allows undigested and
unabsorbed material called faeces to enter the
caecum of the large intestine.
63. (a) Absorption is the process by which the digestive
end products pass through the intestinal mucosa and
into the blood or lymph.
64. (d) Beer (alcohol) is the first to leave the human
stomach.
Because the alcohol can not go directly into the
small intestine right away, the absorption of alcohol
into the bloodstream is significantly slowed.
65. (b) Villi is a finger like projection in the small intestine.
The cells lining the villi gives brush border
appearance. These modification will increase the
surface area. The primary function of intestinal villi
is absorption.
Learning Plus
1. (c) A—3, B—1, C—4, D–—5
Stomach is J shaped organ.
Duodenum is C shaped.
Villi is finger like projection in the small intestine.
Rugae is irregular folds in stomach.
2. (b) Bile salts, bile pigments (bilirubin and biliverdin),
cholesterol, and phospholipids, but no enzymes, are
present in the bile discharged into the duodenum.
108
66. (b) Lacteals help with fat/fatty acid absorption and
glycerol absorption.
67. (d) Active absorption occurs in the small intestine for
glucose, amino acids and Na+ ions.
68. (c) The small intestine is the site of the majority of
digestion and absorption.
69. (b) Colon is a part of the alimentary canal that is
responsible for reabsorbing water from chyle.
70. (d) The ingested compounds eventually make their
way to the tissues that use them for their functions.
Assimilation is the term for this process.
71. (a) Defaecation is a voluntary process involving mass
peristaltic movement.
72. (c) Yellow colour of faeces is on due to degradation
product of haemoglobin.
73. (b) Inflammation of the intestinal tract is the most
common ailment of the digestive system.
74. (d) Vomiting centre is located in the hindbrain’s
medulla.
75. (d) Vomiting is the ejection of stomach contents through
the mouth.
76. (a) When a patient has a protein shortage such as
Kwashiorkor, it is recommended that they eat more
meat, lentils, milk, and eggs in their diet.
77. (d) Marasmus is induced by a protein and carbohydrate
shortage at the same time. It is found in infants
under the age of one year when the mother’s milk
is replaced too early by other meals that are low in
both proteins and calories, or when the mother has
a second pregnancy or childbirth when the older
infant is still too young.
78. (a) Faeces are retained within the rectum as the bowel
movements occur irregularly in constipation.
3. (c) The center of hunger, which regulates the amount
of food we eat or our appetite is located in
hypothalamus.
4. (b) Flourine is the element that hardens the tooth
enamel.
5. (c) Defaecation is the process of passing faeces to the
outside through the anal orifice.
6. (a) Glycerol, fatty acids, and monglycerides are
absorbed through lymph vessel within villi.
Dropper NEET
 7. (d) Small intestine: Starch → α−Amylase →Maltose
8. (c) If the secretion of parietal cells of the gastric
glands is stopped, a deficiency of HCl prevents
the conversion of inactive pepsiongen into active
pepsin.
9. (b) Ptyalin of saliva acts in a slightly acidic medium
(pH–6.8).
10. (c) Oxyntic cells are located in gastric glands and secrete
HCI.
11. (c) Large immature nucleated erythrocytes without
haemoglobin are found in the blood of anaemic
patients. Iron supplements should be added to his
diet.
12. (c) If the chyme of a person who had orally consumed
only starch as food is analysed before it enters the
duodenum, it will show the presence of starch,
dextrin and maltose.
13. (a) Pancreatic juice contains trypsinogen,
chymotrypsinogen and procarboxypeptidases,
which are inactive enzymes.
14. (d) The hydrolytic activity of the carbohydrate (potato
includes starch) breaking enzyme, salivary amylase,
begins the chemical process of digestion in the oral
cavity. Carbohydrates in the chyme are hydrolysed
into disaccharides by pancreatic amylase.
15. (d) The numerous tiny finger-shaped projections that
increase the absorptive surface area are known as
intestinal villi. Lacteals are blood capillaries and
lymph vessels that are plentiful in them. They also
have a plethora of minute microvilli that contribute
to the absorptive surface.
They do not help in fat digestion but they do aid in
the absorption of water, minerals, salts, amino acids,
vitamins and other dietary substances.
Human milk consists of fat, casein lactose, mineral
salts 4 vitamin.
16. (c) Fats → Lipases → Diglycerides → Monoglycerides
17. (c) The common bile duct is formed by the gall bladder
duct and the hepatic duct from the liver. The bile
duct and the pancreatic duct form a common hepato-
pancreatic conduit that transports both bile and
pancreatic juice into the duodenum.
18. (d) Glottis is a structure that prevents entry of food into
windpipe during swallowing of food.
Digestion and Absorption
19. (a) Tetanus is a medical illness marked by a prolonged
contraction of skeletal muscle fibres.
20. (b) A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2
Biomacromolecule of food is converted into simple
absorbable form with the process of digestion.
Human digestive system includes alimentary canal
and their associated glands.
Stomach is j-shaped bag like structure, present
upper left portion of the abdominal cavity.
Serosa is the outermost layer and is made up of thin
mesothelium with some connective tissue.
21. (c) Duodenum is a C-shaped structure that protrudes
from the stomach.
Epiglottis is a cartilaginous flap that keeps food
from entering the glottis.
The aperture of the wind pipe is known as the glottis.
Caecum is a small blind sac that contains symbiotic
microorganisms that aid in digestion.
22. (d) Gallstones and pancreatic enlargement can both cause
jaundice by preventing bile from entering the duodenum.
The liver’s ability to eliminate bilirubin is weakened
by hepatitis. Excessive fragile RBC can leak so much
haemoglobin into the bloodstream that bilirubin forms
in high concentrations, causing jaundice.
23. (d) Lipase is a digestive enzyme for fats.
The enzymes that breakdown nucleic acid are
known as nuclease.
Carboxypeptidases are enzymes that help break
down proteins, peptones and proteases.
The enzymes that break down dipeptides into amino
acids are known as dipeptidases.
24. (a) When maltase acts, result is Glucose + Glucose
25. (d) Liver is important in managing rate metabolism
by keeping glucose levels in a normal range.
Gastrin is produced by G-cells in the pyrolic area
of the stomach, not by the liver. It stimulates
the secretion and release of gastric fluids by the
gastric glands.
26. (a) Epiglottis (cartilaginous flap) covers the opening
to the airways during swallowing to prevent
food or liquid from entering; consequently, if the
epiglottis does not function properly, congestion
may result.
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 Multiconcept MCQs
1. (c) In the intestine, chylomicrons are formed and carry
dietary triglycerides to the periphery. VLDL (very
low density lipoprotein) transports endogenously
synthesised triglycerides, LDL (low density
lipoprotein) transports cholesterol to the periphery
and HDL (high density lipoprotein) transports
reverse cholesterol (high density lipoprotein).
2. (a) Gastrin is a hormone, stimulate secretions of HCl by
the parietal cells of the stomach and helps in gastric
motility.
3. (c) The main cause of neonatal jaundice (a very high
bilirubin burden in a newborn) is excessive red
blood cell breakdown which is known as newborn
haemolytic illness. The liver of the newborn is too
young to cope up with heavy loads of bilirubin. In
soluble bilirubin in the intestine is reabsorbed by the
blood
4. (c) A dental formula represents the arrangement of teeth
in each half of the upper and lower jaw in the order
I, C, PM, M.
5. (b) A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
Kupffer cells are present in liver and acts as
phagocytic cells.
Crypts of Lieberkuhn are present between base of
villi of the intestine.
Serous cells are organised into secretory units called
acini to release an enzyme.
Odonotoblasts make dentine and a part of cells of
tooth.
6. (a) Oxyntic cells release HCl and intrinsic factor (pH
2.0-3.0). Intrinsic fctor helps in absorption of
vitamin B12.
7. (d) A-3 B-5 C-2 D-1
Salivary amylase present in saliva begin digestion
of starch in the oral cavity.
Bile salts are present in the bile juice and helps in
emulsification of fats.
Rennin are present in the infants stomach and helps
in digestion of milk protein.
Pepsin produced by the chief cells of the stomach
and breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.
8. (a) Fructose and amino acids are absorbed through
intestinal mucosa with the help of carrier ions
like Na+. This mechanism is called facilitated
transport.
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9. (d) A-4 B-1 C-2 D-3
Rennin are present in the infants stomach and helps
in curdling of milk protein.
Bile salts are present in the bile juice and helps in
emulsification of fats.
Brunner’s glands are present in the submucosa
of duodenum and secrete an alkaline fluid which
protects the mucosa from the acidic content of the
stomach.
Oxyntic cells or parietal cells secrete HCl and
intrinsic factor (factor essential for absorption of
vitamin B12).
10. (a) The alimentary canot begins with an anterior
opening [mouth] and opens out posteriorly through
the anus.
11. (c) A-3 B-1 C-2 D-4
Hepatic lobule is covered by a thin connective
tissue sheath called glisson’s capsule.
Brunner’s glands are present in the submucosa
of duodenum and secrete an alkaline fluid which
protects the mucosa from the acidic content of the
stomach.
Crypts of Lieberkuhn are present between base of
villi of the intestine.
Cystic duct is a duct of gall bladder.
12. (b) Pellagra is a condition caused by a lack of
nicotinamide in the body. Swollen lips, diarrhoea,
thick pigmented skin on the hands and legs and
neurological disorders are some of the symptoms.
13. (c) A-2 B-3 C-4 D-1
Sphincter of anus- Guarding the terminal part of
alimentary canal.
Cardiac sphincter- Between oesophagus and
anterior stomach.
Ileo-caecal sphincter- Between small intestine and
bowel.
Pyloric sphincter- Between duodenum and
posterior stomach.
14. (c) The tongue, in conjunction with saliva, aids in
mastication and thoroughly mixing the meal.
15. (d) A is representing the villi.
Villi is a small finger-like projection in the small
intestine. the cells lining the villi called microvilli,
produce brush border appearance.These
modification increase the surface area enormously.
Villi are supplied with a network of capillaries and a
large lymph vessel called the lacteal.
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 16. (d) Enterokinase, an enzyme released by the intestinal
mucosa, converts trypsinogen into active trypsin,
which then activates the other enzymes in the
pancreatic juice.
17. (d) Brunner’s gland aids in the maintenance of an
alkaline pH and protects the mucosa of the intestine
from acid.
18. (a) A is the only correct statement for oesophagus.
19. (a) Mucus is released by the submucosal glands, which,
along with bicarbonates (secreted by the pancreas),
protects the epithelium.
20. (a) The tongue’s upper surface bears minute projections
known as papillae, some of which contain taste buds.
Caecum is a small sac which hosts some symbiotic
micro-organisms.
21. (c) Mechanical and biochemical techniques are used to
complete the digesting process. Salivary amylase
hydrolyses around 30% of starch.
22. (c) The statements B, C, and D are true.
Undigested food solidifies into a semi-solid state
before entering the rectum.
23. (b) Each villus is densely packed with blood capillaries
as well as lymph vessels and lacteal vessels. The
proenzyme pepsinogen is secreted by the peptic or
main cells.
NEET Past 10 Years Questions
1. (a) Succus entericus is referred to as intestinal juice.
2. (a) Sphincter of oddi is present at the junction of hepato-
pancreatic duct and duodenum.
3. (a) Enterokinase, an enzyme released by the intestinal
mucosa converts trypsinogen into active trypsin
which then activates the other enzymes in the
pancreatic juice.
4. (b) The outermost layer of the alimentary canal is called
serosa. The mucosa is the deepest layer that lines
the alimentary canal’s lumen.
The caecum gives birth to the vestigial organ known
as the vermiform appendix.
The ileum is a highly coiled tube that connects the
small and large intestines.
5. (b) Rennin is a proteolytic enzyme found in infants’
stomach juice that aids in breakdown of milk protein.
6. (b) The parietal or oxyntic cells are secreted by the
gastric glands. The secretion of HCl and intrinsic
factor is controlled by these cells (factor essential
for absorption of vitamin B12).
Digestion and Absorption
24. (c) Chylomicrons are produced in the epithelial cells
of small intestine contains triglycerides, cholesterol
and phospholipids. It is protein coated small vesicle
chylomicrons released from the epithelia cells into
lacteals.
25. (d) The abnormal frequency of the bowel movement
and increased liquidity of the faecal discharge and
absorption of food is reduced.
26. (c) Goblet cells secrete mucus in the intestinal mucosal
epithelium. The secretions of the mucosa’s brush
border cells as well as the secretions of the goblet
cells. The intestinal juice, or succus entericus, is
made up of these components. Disaccharidases
(e.g., maltase), dipeptidases, lipases, nucleosidases,
and other enzymes are present in this juice. If brush-
bordered cells of the intestine do not form due to a
particular defect, complete digestion of proteins and
carbohydrates does not occur.
27. (b) The outermost layer of the alimentary canal is
serosa which is made up of a thin mesothelium
(visceral organ epithelium) and connective tissues.
Instead of serosa, the oesophagus has a dense sheath
of collagen fibres called the adventitia which is
devoid of mesothelium.
7. (b) Mucus and bicarbonates found in the gastric juice
are secreted by goblet cells which help to lubricate
and protect the mucosal epithelium from excoriation
by the highly concentrated HCl.
8. (c) Crypt of Lieberkuhn can be seen in the small
intestine. The Glisson’s capsule is found in the
liver. The endocrine portion of the pancreas is made
up of islets of Langerhans. The submucosa of the
duodenum contains Brunner’s glands.
9. (b) Teeth in humans are lodged in jaw sockets (thecodont)
are generated in two sets – deciduous or milk teeth
followed by permanent teeth (diphyodont) and
have multiple morphologies – incisors, canines, pre-
molars and molars (heterodont).
10. (d) Intrinsic factor is produced by the parietal
cells of the stomach and is required for the
absorption of vitamin B 12 which is required for
erythropoiesis.
111
11. (b) Kupffer-cells are phagocytic cells in the liver while
zymogen cells produce enzymes.
Paneth cell acts an anti-bacterial agent by secreting
lysozyme.
Argentaffin cells produce hormones.
12. (c) A human child’s total number of teeth is 20. The first
dentition lacks premolars.
13. (d) Rennin and pepsin enzymes are present in
the gastric juice. The intestinal juice contains
maltase. Pancreatic juice contains lipase, amylase,
nuclease, trypsinogen, procarboxypeptidase,
chymotrypsinogen
14. (d) The common hepato-pancreatic duct which is
guarded by the sphincter of Oddi, connects
the bile and pancreatic ducts and opens into the
duodenum.
15. (a) Rennin is a proteolytic enzyme found in newborns’
stomach juice that aids in protein digestion. Gastric
glands also release small amounts of lipases.
16. (c) Brunner glands are found in the submucosa of
duodenum and secrete an alkaline fluid enriched
mucus to protect the duodenal surface from the
acidic chyme.
17. (a) A man’s milk teeth consist of eight incisors, four
canines, and eight molars (premolars are absent).
112
18. (a) The intestinal juice or succus entericus is made up
of goblet cell secretions and brush border epithelial
fluids. Disaccharidase (maltase), dipeptidases,
lipases, nucleosidases and other enzymes are present
in this juice.
19. (c) Fructose, glucose and certain amino acids are
absorbed through facilitated diffusion with the help
of Na+.
20. (a) Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme found in
the human stomach. Rennin is found in modest
quantities in human babies but not in adults. Pepsin
converts water-soluble caseinogen (milk protein)
into soluble ‘casein.’
21. (b) Small Intestine is the principal organ for
absorption of nutrients. Amino acids like glycine,
monosaccharides are absorbed into the bloodstream
by active transport.
22. (a) Caecum is a tiny blind sac that houses symbiotic
microbes. The caecum produces a narrow finger-like
tubular protrusion called the vermiform appendix
which is a vestigial structure.
23. (b) Indigestion is caused by a lack of enzyme
secretion, anxiety, food poisoning, overeating and
spicy foods.
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