CET Anatomy, Physiology & Medical Terminology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of the ileocecal valve?
- Absorb vitamin B12
- Prevent backflow from the colon into the small intestine (Correct answer)
- Secrete digestive enzymes
- Control gastric emptying
Correct answer: Prevent backflow from the colon into the small intestine
The ileocecal valve prevents retrograde movement of colonic contents into the ileum, protecting the small intestine from bacterial contamination.
Question 2: The medical suffix '-scopy' means:
- Surgical removal
- Visual examination (Correct answer)
- Incision into
- Suturing of
Correct answer: Visual examination
The suffix '-scopy' means visual examination or inspection, as in colonoscopy (visual examination of the colon).
Question 3: Which cells in the stomach lining secrete hydrochloric acid?
- Chief cells
- G cells
- Mucous neck cells
- Parietal cells (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Parietal cells
Parietal (oxyntic) cells in the gastric mucosa secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor.
Question 4: What is 'peristalsis'?
- Backward flow of stomach contents
- Rhythmic wave-like muscular contractions that propel food through the GI tract (Correct answer)
- Contraction of the sphincters
- Secretion of digestive juices
Correct answer: Rhythmic wave-like muscular contractions that propel food through the GI tract
Peristalsis is coordinated, rhythmic smooth muscle contractions that move food and waste through the digestive tract.
Question 5: The term 'melena' describes stool that is:
- Bright red and liquid
- Pale, greasy, and foul-smelling
- Black, tarry, and foul-smelling (Correct answer)
- Mixed with mucus
Correct answer: Black, tarry, and foul-smelling
Melena refers to black, tarry stools caused by digested blood, typically indicating upper GI bleeding.
Question 6: Which anatomical landmark is used to estimate the location of the splenic flexure?
- Left costal margin (Correct answer)
- Umbilicus
- Right iliac fossa
- Pubic symphysis
Correct answer: Left costal margin
The splenic flexure (left colic flexure) lies near the left costal margin, just inferior to the spleen.
Question 7: What does the abbreviation 'NPO' mean in clinical practice?
- Normal physiologic output
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- Nasopharyngeal obstruction
- Non-pathologic origin
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO stands for 'nil per os' (Latin), meaning nothing by mouth; patients are kept NPO before endoscopic procedures.
CET Anatomy, Physiology & Medical Terminology 3
What is the primary function of the ileocecal valve?