Digestive glands MCQs With Answer is a concise, exam-focused resource designed for B. Pharm students preparing for pharmacology, physiology, and pathology assessments. This collection covers salivary, gastric, pancreatic, hepatic and biliary glands, emphasizing secretions, enzymes, hormones (gastrin, CCK, secretin), zymogen activation, bile physiology, and drug interactions that alter gland function. Questions highlight clinical correlations—pancreatic insufficiency, cholestasis, enzyme inhibitors, and diagnostic markers—so you strengthen both basic science and therapeutic insights. Carefully crafted for concept clarity and rapid revision, these MCQs help improve recall, application and exam performance. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which enzyme is secreted in active form by salivary glands and initiates starch digestion in the mouth?
- Pepsin
- Salivary amylase
- Pancreatic lipase
- Trypsinogen
Correct Answer: Salivary amylase
Q2. Which cells in the gastric glands secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl)?
- Chief cells
- Mucous neck cells
- Parietal cells
- G cells
Correct Answer: Parietal cells
Q3. Pepsinogen is converted to active pepsin by which of the following?
- Enterokinase
- Hydrochloric acid
- Bile salts
- Amylase
Correct Answer: Hydrochloric acid
Q4. Which hormone primarily stimulates pancreatic bicarbonate secretion from duct cells?
- Gastrin
- Secretin
- Cholecystokinin (CCK)
- Insulin
Correct Answer: Secretin
Q5. Which pancreatic enzyme is essential for fat digestion and requires colipase for maximal activity?
- Trypsin
- Pancreatic lipase
- Amylase
- Elastase
Correct Answer: Pancreatic lipase
Q6. Enterokinase (enteropeptidase) located on duodenal brush border activates which zymogen?
- Pepsinogen
- Trypsinogen
- Prolipase
- Procarboxypeptidase
Correct Answer: Trypsinogen
Q7. Which bile constituent is critical for micelle formation and lipid absorption?
- Cholesterol esters
- Bile salts
- Albumin
- Glycogen
Correct Answer: Bile salts
Q8. The primary site of bile acid synthesis from cholesterol in the liver involves which enzyme as the rate-limiting step?
- Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase
- HMG-CoA reductase
- Acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase
- CYP3A4
Correct Answer: Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase
Q9. Which of the following increases gastric acid secretion by directly stimulating parietal cells?
- Secretin
- Somatostatin
- Histamine via H2 receptors
- Prostaglandin E2
Correct Answer: Histamine via H2 receptors
Q10. Which drug class directly inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase in gastric parietal cells?
- H2 receptor antagonists
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Antacids
- Muscarinic antagonists
Correct Answer: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Q11. Which glandular secretion contains intrinsic factor necessary for vitamin B12 absorption?
- Pancreatic juice
- Salivary secretion
- Gastric parietal cell secretion
- Bile
Correct Answer: Gastric parietal cell secretion
Q12. Which of the following enzymes is NOT produced by the pancreas?
- Lipase
- Trypsin
- Amylase
- Pepsin
Correct Answer: Pepsin
Q13. Activation of trypsin in the small intestine can lead to activation of other pancreatic zymogens; which physiological barrier prevents premature intrapancreatic activation?
- High intrapancreatic calcium
- Presence of trypsin inhibitor (SPINK1)
- Low pancreatic enzyme concentration
- Alkaline pH in pancreas
Correct Answer: Presence of trypsin inhibitor (SPINK1)
Q14. Which laboratory marker is more specific for acute pancreatitis?
- Serum amylase
- Serum lipase
- ALT
- Alkaline phosphatase
Correct Answer: Serum lipase
Q15. Which hepatic function is most relevant to drug metabolism and first-pass effect?
- Bile production
- Phase I and II enzymatic biotransformation
- Glycogen storage
- Albumin synthesis
Correct Answer: Phase I and II enzymatic biotransformation
Q16. Cholecystokinin (CCK) primarily stimulates which of the following?
- Bile acid synthesis
- Gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme secretion
- Gastric acid secretion
- Intestinal motility inhibition only
Correct Answer: Gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme secretion
Q17. Which statement about bile salts is TRUE?
- They are synthesized from triglycerides
- They are conjugated with glycine or taurine to increase solubility
- They are stored in the liver indefinitely
- They inhibit micelle formation
Correct Answer: They are conjugated with glycine or taurine to increase solubility
Q18. Which of the following drugs can decrease gastric acid secretion by blocking H2 receptors?
- Omeprazole
- Cimetidine
- Aluminum hydroxide
- Misoprostol
Correct Answer: Cimetidine
Q19. Which gland secretes lingual lipase contributing to fat digestion in the stomach?
- Parotid gland
- Sublingual gland
- Von Ebner’s glands / minor salivary glands
- Submandibular gland
Correct Answer: Von Ebner’s glands / minor salivary glands
Q20. Which condition leads to decreased bile flow and accumulation of bile constituents in the liver and blood?
- Pancreatitis
- Cholestasis
- Peptic ulcer
- Gastritis
Correct Answer: Cholestasis
Q21. Which transporter mediates bile salt reabsorption in the terminal ileum during enterohepatic circulation?
- SGLT1
- ASBT (apical sodium–dependent bile acid transporter)
- PEPT1
- CFTR
Correct Answer: ASBT (apical sodium–dependent bile acid transporter)
Q22. Which pancreatic secretion component neutralizes acidic chyme entering the duodenum?
- Digestive enzymes
- Bicarbonate
- Bile salts
- Intrinsic factor
Correct Answer: Bicarbonate
Q23. Which gastric cells secrete pepsinogen (the precursor of pepsin)?
- Parietal cells
- Mucous neck cells
- Chief (zymogenic) cells
- Enterochromaffin-like cells
Correct Answer: Chief (zymogenic) cells
Q24. Which of the following is an oral pancreatic enzyme replacement often used in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
- Pancrelipase
- Omeprazole
- Octreotide
- Ursodeoxycholic acid
Correct Answer: Pancrelipase
Q25. Which hormone inhibits many gastrointestinal secretions, including gastrin and pancreatic secretions?
- Gastrin
- Secretin
- Somatostatin
- CCK
Correct Answer: Somatostatin
Q26. Which substance in pancreatic juice protects lipase from inactivation by bile salts?
- Colipase
- Trypsin
- Secretin
- Pepsin
Correct Answer: Colipase
Q27. Which liver-produced plasma protein is important for drug binding and maintaining oncotic pressure?
- Fibrinogen
- Transferrin
- Albumin
- C-reactive protein
Correct Answer: Albumin
Q28. Which result indicates obstructive jaundice due to biliary obstruction?
- Elevated unconjugated bilirubin only
- Elevated conjugated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase
- Low AST and ALT
- Decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
Correct Answer: Elevated conjugated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase
Q29. Which process describes enterohepatic circulation?
- Bile acids synthesized and excreted in urine repeatedly
- Bile acids secreted into intestine, reabsorbed, and returned to liver via portal blood
- Direct absorption of bile into systemic circulation bypassing liver
- Excretion of bile acids only in feces without reabsorption
Correct Answer: Bile acids secreted into intestine, reabsorbed, and returned to liver via portal blood
Q30. Which condition commonly causes steatorrhea due to impaired fat digestion and absorption?
- Gastric ulcer
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Hepatitis A infection
- Gastritis
Correct Answer: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Q31. Which gland contributes the majority of resting saliva volume and produces a mixed serous and mucous secretion?
- Parotid gland (serous)
- Sublingual gland (mucous)
- Submandibular gland (mixed)
- Minor labial glands (mucous)
Correct Answer: Submandibular gland (mixed)
Q32. Which pharmacologic agent stimulates biliary secretion and gallbladder contraction for diagnostic testing?
- Secretin
- Cholecystokinin (CCK) analog
- Atropine
- H2 antagonist
Correct Answer: Cholecystokinin (CCK) analog
Q33. Which enzyme deficiency in cystic fibrosis leads to malabsorption affecting growth in infants?
- Pancreatic exocrine enzyme insufficiency due to duct obstruction
- Hepatic microsomal enzyme deficiency
- Gastric acid deficiency
- Salivary amylase deficiency
Correct Answer: Pancreatic exocrine enzyme insufficiency due to duct obstruction
Q34. Which bile acid therapy is used to dissolve certain cholesterol gallstones and protect cholestatic liver injury?
- Chenodeoxycholic acid
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)
- Deoxycholic acid
- Obeticholic acid
Correct Answer: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)
Q35. Which action reduces gastric acid secretion and provides mucosal protection and can be mimicked by prostaglandin analogs?
- Prostaglandin E2 stimulation of mucus and bicarbonate secretion
- Histamine release from ECL cells
- Vagal acetylcholine stimulating parietal cells
- Gastrin increasing acid secretion
Correct Answer: Prostaglandin E2 stimulation of mucus and bicarbonate secretion
Q36. Which enzyme activates procarboxypeptidase to carboxypeptidase in the small intestine?
- Enterokinase
- Active trypsin
- Pepsin
- Alpha-amylase
Correct Answer: Active trypsin
Q37. Which condition is characterized by autoimmune destruction of gastric parietal cells leading to intrinsic factor deficiency?
- Pernicious anemia
- Duodenal ulcer
- Gastric carcinoma
- Gastroenteritis
Correct Answer: Pernicious anemia
Q38. Which statement about hepatic bile production is CORRECT?
- Bile flows directly from hepatocytes into the hepatic artery
- Bile is collected in canaliculi and drained through bile ducts to gallbladder or intestine
- The gallbladder produces bile during fasting
- Bile contains digestive enzymes for protein digestion
Correct Answer: Bile is collected in canaliculi and drained through bile ducts to gallbladder or intestine
Q39. Which inhibitor class reduces pancreatic enzyme activity by inhibiting proteases and is clinically important in managing some pancreatic disorders?
- Protease inhibitors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors)
- Lipase inhibitors
- H2 blockers
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
Correct Answer: Protease inhibitors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors)
Q40. Which diagnostic imaging test evaluates biliary tract patency by visualizing bile ducts after contrast injection?
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Upper GI endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Plain abdominal X-ray
Correct Answer: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Q41. Which regulatory input strongly stimulates acid secretion during the cephalic phase of digestion?
- Gastrin released from antrum in response to food in stomach
- Vagal parasympathetic activation mediated by acetylcholine
- Secretin in response to duodenal acid
- Somatostatin release inhibiting acid
Correct Answer: Vagal parasympathetic activation mediated by acetylcholine
Q42. Which of the following increases the solubility of cholesterol in bile to reduce gallstone formation?
- Decreasing bile salt concentration
- Increasing bile salt and phospholipid concentration
- Raising cholesterol secretion dramatically
- Blocking bile flow completely
Correct Answer: Increasing bile salt and phospholipid concentration
Q43. Which enzyme hydrolyzes dietary triglycerides into monoglycerides and free fatty acids in the small intestine?
- Pancreatic amylase
- Pancreatic lipase
- Pepsin
- Lactase
Correct Answer: Pancreatic lipase
Q44. Which pharmacologic agent is a bile acid sequestrant that reduces enterohepatic recycling of bile acids and can lower LDL cholesterol?
- Atorvastatin
- Colestyramine (cholestyramine)
- Ursodeoxycholic acid
- Niacin
Correct Answer: Colestyramine (cholestyramine)
Q45. Which change in pancreatic secretion occurs in response to a high-fat meal?
- Decreased enzyme secretion and decreased CCK release
- Increased CCK release leading to more enzyme-rich pancreatic secretion
- Only bicarbonate secretion increases, enzymes decrease
- Pancreatic secretion stops completely
Correct Answer: Increased CCK release leading to more enzyme-rich pancreatic secretion
Q46. Which hepatic enzyme family is primarily responsible for oxidative (Phase I) metabolism of many drugs?
- UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs)
- CYP450 enzymes (cytochrome P450)
- Sulfotransferases
- Glutathione S-transferases
Correct Answer: CYP450 enzymes (cytochrome P450)
Q47. Which of the following best describes the role of bile in fat digestion?
- Activates pancreatic proteases
- Emulsifies fats to increase surface area for lipase action
- Neutralizes pancreatic enzymes
- Breaks down carbohydrates
Correct Answer: Emulsifies fats to increase surface area for lipase action
Q48. Which clinical scenario would most likely cause elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) originating from the hepatobiliary system?
- Acute pancreatitis without biliary obstruction
- Obstructive cholestasis due to gallstone in common bile duct
- Isolated myocardial infarction
- Acute appendicitis
Correct Answer: Obstructive cholestasis due to gallstone in common bile duct
Q49. Which mechanism explains how proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce gastric acidity?
- Blocking H2 receptors on parietal cells
- Neutralizing acid in the stomach lumen
- Covalent inhibition of H+/K+ ATPase on parietal cell apical membrane
- Stimulating somatostatin release
Correct Answer: Covalent inhibition of H+/K+ ATPase on parietal cell apical membrane
Q50. Which therapeutic approach is appropriate for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency to improve nutrient absorption?
- High-dose H2 blockers
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy with meals
- Bile acid sequestrants
- Prostaglandin analogs
Correct Answer: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy with meals
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com