Question

For each of the deficiencies of digestive secretions A–E, select the most appropriate consequence from the list below. 

1. Pale stools. 

2. Local infections. 

3. Steatorrhoea. 

4. Milk intolerance. 

5. Anaemia. 

A. Saliva deficiency. 

B. Biliary obstruction. 

C. Lactase deficiency. 

D. Pancreatic juice deficiency. 

E. Gastric juice deficiency.

Answer 1

A. Option 2 Local infections. The flow of saliva helps to control the multiplication of bacteria in the mouth. 

B. Option 1 Pale stools. Bile entering the alimentary tract is responsible for the normal brown colour of the stools.

C. Option 4 Milk intolerance. Lactase deficiency is seen in a proportion of the population. There is an inability to digest and absorb milk sugar. This results in an osmotic diarrhoea that can be a problem especially in babies where milk forms a large part of the dietary intake. 

D. Option 3 Steatorrhoea. Steatorrhoea, the presence of unsplit fat in the faeces, is seen in the absence of pancreatic juice since dietary fat cannot be hydrolysed and consequently cannot be absorbed. 

E. Option 5 Anaemia. A macrocytic anaemia develops because there is no intrinsic factor to facilitate the absorption of Vitamin B₁₂.