All Free Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing MCQs with Answers

• A. Trachea
• B. Oesophagus
• C. Duodenum
• D. Pancreatic duct

Explanation: The oesophagus is a muscular tube that moves the swallowed bolus to the stomach through peristaltic contractions.

• A. Pepsin
• B. Pancreatic lipase
• C. Salivary amylase
• D. Trypsin

Explanation: Salivary amylase begins breaking starch into smaller carbohydrates in the mouth.

• A. Digest proteins into amino acids
• B. Emulsify fats into smaller droplets
• C. Convert starch into simple sugars
• D. Absorb water from intestinal contents

Explanation: Bile emulsifies fats, increasing their surface area for pancreatic lipase to act on them.

• A. Most absorption occurs in the stomach
• B. Most absorption occurs in the small intestine
• C. Most absorption occurs in the rectum
• D. Most absorption occurs in the oesophagus

Explanation: The small intestine is the main site of nutrient absorption because its villi and microvilli provide a large surface area.

• A. Liver
• B. Gallbladder
• C. Pancreas
• D. Large intestine

Explanation: The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions. Its exocrine part releases enzymes and bicarbonate into the duodenum, while its…

• A. Store bile before meals
• B. Increase the surface area for absorption
• C. Produce hydrochloric acid for digestion
• D. Move food from the mouth to the stomach

Explanation: Villi and their microvilli greatly increase the surface area available for absorption in the small intestine.

• A. Offer oral rehydration solution
• B. Place the patient in a side-lying position
• C. Record the number of vomiting episodes
• D. Provide a high-protein meal

Explanation: The immediate priority is airway protection because drowsiness and vomiting increase the risk of aspiration.

• A. Digestion moves nutrients into blood, while absorption breaks food apart
• B. Digestion breaks food into smaller molecules, while absorption transfers them into blood or lymph
• C. Digestion occurs only in the mouth, while absorption occurs only in the stomach
• D. Digestion stores nutrients in cells, while absorption eliminates waste through the anus

Explanation: Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into absorbable molecules.

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Proteins
• C. Fats
• D. Nucleic acids

Explanation: Bile is needed to emulsify fats and support their digestion and absorption.

• A. Hepatic portal vein
• B. Hepatic artery
• C. Inferior vena cava
• D. Pulmonary vein

Explanation: The hepatic portal vein carries absorbed nutrients from the stomach and intestines to the liver for processing and storage.

• A. Parietal cell
• B. Chief cell
• C. Goblet cell
• D. Enteroendocrine cell

Explanation: Chief cells release pepsinogen, which is converted to pepsin by the acidic stomach contents.

• A. Pepsin
• B. Pancreatic lipase
• C. Salivary amylase
• D. Lactase

Explanation: Pepsin begins significant protein digestion in the stomach after pepsinogen is activated by hydrochloric acid.

• A. Protein
• B. Fat
• C. Starch
• D. Water

Explanation: Pancreatic lipase is essential for fat digestion, so pancreatic insufficiency commonly causes greasy, bulky stools called steatorrhea.

• A. Secreting insulin into blood
• B. Absorbing water and electrolytes
• C. Digesting most dietary protein
• D. Producing hydrochloric acid

Explanation: The large intestine absorbs remaining water and electrolytes and forms and stores feces.

• A. Vitamin B12 with intrinsic factor
• B. Iron with gastric acid
• C. Glucose with sodium
• D. Water with electrolytes

Explanation: The terminal ileum absorbs vitamin B12 after it binds to intrinsic factor.

• A. Pancreatic bicarbonate
• B. Gastric pepsin
• C. Bile pigment
• D. Salivary mucus

Explanation: Pancreatic bicarbonate raises the pH of acidic chyme entering the duodenum and protects the intestinal lining.

• A. It releases stored bile into the duodenum
• B. It produces pancreatic enzymes for digestion
• C. It absorbs amino acids into the bloodstream
• D. It converts glucose into glycogen

Explanation: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile made by the liver and releases it into the duodenum when fat enters the intestine.

• A. Reduced nutrient absorption
• B. Increased bile production
• C. Excess hydrochloric acid
• D. Increased rectal storage

Explanation: Damage to the small intestinal mucosa reduces the effective absorptive surface and can cause malabsorption, weight loss, and nutrient…

• A. Food is physically broken into smaller pieces
• B. Enzymes split food into simpler molecules
• C. Nutrients enter the intestinal blood or lymph
• D. Cells use absorbed nutrients for energy or growth

Explanation: Assimilation is the cellular use of absorbed nutrients for energy, repair, growth, or storage.

• A. Reduced synthesis of plasma proteins
• B. Failure to produce salivary amylase
• C. Loss of peristalsis in the oesophagus
• D. Inability to release insulin from beta cells

Explanation: The liver synthesizes important plasma proteins, including albumin and several clotting factors, and also processes nutrients and…