[Campbell Biology P.964] A person consumes a meal exceptionally rich in fats. Based on the r... | Practice Question

A person consumes a meal exceptionally rich in fats. Based on the regulatory mechanisms described in the text, which of the following is the most likely physiological response regarding digestion?

  • A: The increased fat content will immediately stimulate vigorous peristalsis in the small intestine to speed up digestion.
  • B: High levels of cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin will be released, leading to an inhibition of peristalsis and prolonged digestion time for fats.
  • C: Gastrin secretion will be significantly increased, causing a rapid emptying of stomach contents into the duodenum.
  • D: The pancreas will reduce its secretion of digestive enzymes to avoid overwhelming the system with too much fat.

Explanation

As described in Figure 41.22, if chyme is rich in fats, high levels of secretin and CCK are released. These hormones then inhibit peristalsis movement of chyme , slowing down the digestion process and allowing more time for the comprehensive breakdown and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Pancreatic digestive enzymes are stimulated, not reduced, by CCK to aid in fat breakdown.