Digestive System 5 Marks Questions & Answers – GNM 1st Year Anatomy | NursingNotesGNM

 

Digestive System – 5 Marks Questions & Answers (GNM 1st Year Anatomy & Physiology)

By NursingNotesGNM | Updated for GNM Final Exam 2026

📑 Table of Contents

  • Introduction

  • 5 Marks Questions & Answers (1–15)

  • Quick Revision Points

  • SEO Meta


📘 Introduction

These 5 Marks Questions & Answers on the Digestive System are designed for GNM 1st Year Nursing examinations. Answers are written in exam-friendly format with key points for easy scoring.


✅ Digestive System – 5 Marks Q&A

1. Define digestive system and list its functions.

The digestive system is the system that breaks food into simple absorbable substances.

Functions: • Ingestion of food
• Digestion (mechanical and chemical)
• Absorption of nutrients
Metabolism
• Elimination of waste


2. Describe the parts of alimentary canal.

The alimentary canal is a muscular tube extending from mouth to anus.

Parts: • Mouth
• Pharynx
• Esophagus
Stomach
Small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum)
• Large intestine
• Rectum and anus


3. Write the functions of liver.

• Secretion of bile
• Metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins
• Detoxification
• Storage of glycogen and vitamins
• Formation of plasma proteins


4. Explain digestion of carbohydrates.

Digestion of carbohydrates begins in mouth by salivary amylase converting starch to maltose. In small intestine, pancreatic amylase continues digestion. Intestinal enzymes convert maltose into glucose which is absorbed into blood.


5. Describe digestion of proteins.

Protein digestion starts in stomach by pepsin converting proteins to peptides. In small intestine, trypsin and other enzymes convert peptides into amino acids which are absorbed into blood.


6. Write a short note on small intestine.

The small intestine is the longest part of alimentary canal. It completes digestion and absorbs nutrients. Villi increase surface area for absorption. It has three parts: duodenum, jejunum and ileum.


7. Explain the functions of stomach.

• Temporary storage of food
• Digestion of proteins
• Secretion of gastric juice
• Mixing food to form chyme
• Kills bacteria by HCl


8. Describe accessory digestive organs.

Accessory organs include salivary glands, liver, gall bladder and pancreas. They secrete enzymes and bile that help digestion but food does not pass through them.


9. Explain absorption of nutrients.

Absorption mainly occurs in small intestine through villi. Glucose and amino acids enter blood capillaries while fats enter lacteals. Water is absorbed in large intestine.


10. Write a note on metabolism.

Metabolism includes anabolism (building up) and catabolism (breaking down). It converts absorbed nutrients into energy and body tissues. Liver plays a major role.


11. Describe functions of pancreas.

• Secretes digestive enzymes
• Produces insulin and glucagon
• Helps regulate blood sugar
• Aids digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats


12. Explain bile and its functions.

Bile is alkaline fluid secreted by liver and stored in gall bladder.

Functions: • Emulsifies fats
• Neutralizes acidic chyme
• Helps absorption of fat-soluble vitamins


13. Write short note on large intestine.

Large intestine absorbs water and salts, forms feces and stores waste before elimination.


14. Describe peristalsis.

Peristalsis is wave-like muscular movement that pushes food forward along alimentary canal.


15. Explain digestion, absorption and assimilation.

Digestion breaks food into simple forms. Absorption transfers nutrients into blood and lymph. Assimilation uses absorbed nutrients for growth and energy.


🌟 Quick Revision Points

  • Stomach digests proteins

  • Small intestine absorbs nutrients

  • Liver controls metabolism

  • Pancreas secretes enzymes and insulin

  • Large intestine absorbs water



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