National League for Nursing (NLN) Science Practice Exam

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Study for the National League for Nursing Science Exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions that provide hints and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

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Which structure connects the stomach and mouth?

anus
esophagus
spinal column
epiglottis

The correct answer is: esophagus

The structure that connects the stomach and mouth is the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach through a series of coordinated muscle contractions called peristalsis. When you swallow, food enters the esophagus, where the process of moving it downward begins until it reaches the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows it to enter the stomach. Other structures mentioned do not serve this function. The anus is the terminal part of the digestive system, helping to expel waste, while the spinal column is part of the skeletal system, providing support and protection for the spinal cord, and has no role in food transport. The epiglottis, on the other hand, is a flap located at the base of the tongue that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing but does not serve as a conduit for food from the mouth to the stomach. Understanding the specific roles of these anatomical structures helps clarify the digestive process and the function of the esophagus in particular.