Anatomy Exam Upper Gastrointestinal Tract 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the esophageal wall is responsible for peristaltic contractions in the upper third?
- Smooth muscle
- Skeletal muscle (Correct answer)
- Cardiac muscle
- Elastic fibers
Correct answer: Skeletal muscle
The upper third of the esophagus contains skeletal muscle that enables voluntary initiation of swallowing.
Question 2: What is the anatomical term for the junction between the esophagus and the stomach?
- Pyloric junction
- Ileocecal junction
- Gastroesophageal junction (Correct answer)
- Duodenojejunal junction
Correct answer: Gastroesophageal junction
The gastroesophageal junction (cardia) is where the esophagus meets the stomach and is the site of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Question 3: Which arterial branch primarily supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach?
- Right gastroepiploic artery
- Short gastric arteries
- Left gastric artery (Correct answer)
- Gastroduodenal artery
Correct answer: Left gastric artery
The left gastric artery, a branch of the celiac trunk, is the primary supply to the lesser curvature of the stomach.
Question 4: The duodenum is divided into four parts; which part crosses the vertebral column?
- First (superior) part
- Second (descending) part
- Third (horizontal) part (Correct answer)
- Fourth (ascending) part
Correct answer: Third (horizontal) part
The third (horizontal) part of the duodenum crosses the midline at the level of L3, passing anterior to the aorta and IVC.
Question 5: Which structure passes through the hepatoduodenal ligament alongside the portal vein and hepatic artery?
- Common bile duct (Correct answer)
- Cystic duct
- Pancreatic duct
- Left gastric vein
Correct answer: Common bile duct
The hepatoduodenal ligament (free edge of the lesser omentum) contains the portal vein, hepatic artery proper, and common bile duct — together called the portal triad.
Question 6: What type of epithelium lines the body of the esophagus?
- Simple columnar epithelium
- Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
- Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium (Correct answer)
- Transitional epithelium
Correct answer: Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
The esophagus is lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which resists the abrasion of food boluses.
Question 7: The angle of His (esophagogastric angle) contributes to which functional mechanism?
- Gastric acid secretion
- Prevention of gastroesophageal reflux (Correct answer)
- Pancreatic enzyme release
- Bile entry into the duodenum
Correct answer: Prevention of gastroesophageal reflux
The acute angle of His between the esophagus and fundus acts as a flap-valve mechanism that helps prevent reflux of gastric contents.
Anatomy Exam Upper Gastrointestinal Tract 2
Which layer of the esophageal wall is responsible for peristaltic contractions in the upper third?