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Which phase of deglutition involves contraction of the longitudinal muscle layer of the muscularis?

A. voluntary phase

B. buccal phase

C. pharyngeal phase

D. esophageal phase

Answer Explanation:

a) voluntary phase

- Correct: The voluntary phase of deglutition (swallowing) involves the initial voluntary movement of food from the mouth into the pharynx. During this phase, the tongue pushes the food bolus backward toward the oropharynx. Contraction of the longitudinal muscle layer of the muscularis propels the food bolus into the pharynx, which is part of the voluntary control of swallowing.

b) buccal phase

- Incorrect: The buccal phase of deglutition involves the initial formation of the food bolus and its movement toward the oropharynx by the coordinated action of the tongue and muscles of the cheeks. It does not involve contraction of the longitudinal muscle layer of the muscularis.

c) pharyngeal phase

- Incorrect: The pharyngeal phase of deglutition is involuntary and occurs when the food bolus reaches the pharynx. It involves the sequential contraction of muscles in the pharyngeal wall to propel the food bolus downward toward the esophagus. The contraction of the longitudinal muscle layer of the muscularis is not a significant component of the pharyngeal phase.

d) esophageal phase

- Incorrect: The esophageal phase of deglutition involves the passage of the food bolus through the esophagus and into the stomach. Peristaltic waves of contraction and relaxation of the muscularis propels the food bolus along the length of the esophagus. The contraction of the longitudinal muscle layer of the muscularis primarily occurs during the voluntary phase of deglutition, not the esophageal phase.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is A.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Where does the chemical digestion of starch begin?

    A. mouth

    B. esophagus

    C. stomach

    D. small intestine

    Answer Explanation

    a) mouth

    - Correct: The chemical digestion of starch begins in the mouth. Salivary amylase, an enzyme secreted by the salivary glands, initiates the breakdown of starch molecules into maltose and other smaller carbohydrate molecules. This process begins as soon as food enters the mouth and continues as it is mixed with saliva during chewing and swallowing.

    b) esophagus

    - Incorrect: The esophagus is not directly involved in the chemical digestion of starch. It serves primarily as a conduit for the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach via peristaltic contractions.

    c) stomach

    - Incorrect: While some minor digestion may occur in the stomach due to the presence of salivary amylase from swallowed saliva, the stomach is not the primary site of starch digestion. Its acidic environment inhibits the activity of salivary amylase, so significant starch digestion does not occur there.

    d) small intestine

    - Incorrect: Starch digestion continues in the small intestine, primarily in the duodenum, but it does not begin there. Enzymes such as pancreatic amylase and brush border enzymes further break down starch into simpler sugars in the small intestine.

  • Q #2: Which of these statements about bile is true?

    A. About 500 mL is secreted daily.

    B. Its main function is the denaturation of proteins.

    C. It is synthesized in the gallbladder.

    D. Bile salts are recycled.

    Answer Explanation

    d) Bile salts are recycled.

    - Correct: Bile salts are recycled in the enterohepatic circulation. After aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine, bile salts are reabsorbed in the terminal ileum and transported back to the liver via the portal vein. Once in the liver, they are re-secreted into bile, allowing for their reuse in subsequent digestive processes. This recycling of bile salts is an important mechanism for conserving these critical components of bile.

    a) About 500 mL is secreted daily.

    - Incorrect: The daily secretion of bile by the liver is approximately 600-1000 mL, not 500 mL. Bile is continuously produced by hepatocytes (liver cells) and stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until it is released into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.

    b) Its main function is the denaturation of proteins.

    - Incorrect: The main function of bile is not the denaturation of proteins. Bile aids in the emulsification and digestion of fats by breaking them down into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for the action of pancreatic lipase and facilitating the absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins.

    c) It is synthesized in the gallbladder.

    - Incorrect: Bile is not synthesized in the gallbladder. It is produced by hepatocytes (liver cells) in the liver and then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until needed for digestion.

  • Q #3: Which of these statements about reflexes in the GI tract is false?

    A. Short reflexes are provoked by nerves near the GI tract.

    B. Short reflexes are mediated by the enteric nervous system.

    C. Food that distends the stomach initiates long reflexes.

    D. Long reflexes can be provoked by stimuli originating outside the GI tract.

    Answer Explanation

    c) Food that distends the stomach initiates long reflexes.

    - False: This statement is false. Food that distends the stomach initiates short reflexes, not long reflexes. Short reflexes are local reflexes that are mediated by the enteric nervous system, which consists of a network of neurons within the walls of the digestive tract. When food stretches or distends the stomach, sensory neurons in the stomach wall detect this mechanical stimulus and initiate short reflexes that regulate local gastrointestinal functions, such as gastric motility and secretion.