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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 16 marks · about 18 minutes

Digestive System Structure Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your knowledge of the structure of the human digestive system and the function of each organ in the alimentary canal.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 2 Both 4 marks Difficulty 2/5

    List the organs of the alimentary canal in the order food passes through them, from mouth to anus.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Mouth → oesophagus → stomach → small intestine (duodenum then ileum).
    2. → large intestine (colon) → rectum → anus.
    3. Food is moved along by peristalsis (waves of muscular contraction).
    4. Associated organs (liver, pancreas, gall bladder) are connected but food does not pass through them.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe the role of the stomach in digestion.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Produces hydrochloric acid: kills bacteria and provides acidic pH for pepsin.
    2. Produces pepsin (protease): begins protein digestion.
    3. Muscular walls churn food and mix it with gastric juice, forming chyme.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain what is meant by peristalsis and describe how it moves food along the alimentary canal.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Peristalsis is waves of muscular contraction and relaxation.
    2. Circular muscles contract behind the food bolus, pushing it forward.
    3. Longitudinal muscles relax ahead of the bolus, widening the tube to receive it.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    State the main function of the large intestine.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Absorption of water from undigested food.
    2. Remaining material forms faeces, which are stored in the rectum.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 4/5

    The liver and pancreas both contribute to digestion in the small intestine. Describe the role of each organ.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Liver produces bile: stored in the gall bladder, released into the duodenum.
    2. Bile emulsifies fats (increases surface area for lipase) and neutralises stomach acid.
    3. Pancreas produces pancreatic juice containing amylase, protease, and lipase.
    4. These enzymes digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the duodenum.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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