What is the term for the action of biting, chewing, and breaking up ingested food into smaller particles?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Mastication.' Mastication is the mechanical process of chewing that breaks down food into smaller particles. Peristalsis (choice A) is the involuntary constriction and relaxation of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract that moves food along. Segmentation (choice B) is the mixing movement of the digestive system that helps to break down food and mix it with digestive juices. Metabolism (choice C) refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, amylase. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands that initiates the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Pepsin (choice A) is produced in the stomach to digest proteins, trypsin (choice B) is produced in the pancreas to digest proteins, and sucrase (choice C) is produced in the small intestine to break down sucrose. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of an enzyme secreted by the salivary glands.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands are the main salivary glands located in the mouth. They play a crucial role in producing saliva, which aids in digestion. The stomach (choice B) is where gastric juices are produced, the pancreas (choice C) secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine, and the duodenum (choice D) is the first part of the small intestine where most chemical digestion occurs. Therefore, the correct answer is the mouth (choice A) as it is where these salivary glands are situated.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. Choice A, hiatal hernia, is a condition where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. Choice B, diverticulitis, is inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system. Choice C, gastroenteritis, is inflammation of the stomach and intestines typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Therefore, only choice D accurately describes the regurgitation or reflux of acidic stomach contents back into the esophagus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The rate at which the stomach empties its contents is primarily determined by the composition of the food consumed. Foods high in fat and protein tend to slow down gastric emptying, while foods high in carbohydrates usually pass through more quickly. Therefore, the composition of food consumed directly impacts the rate of gastric emptying. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly affect the rate of gastric emptying.