A branch of the nerve regulating the secretions of the stomach can be cut surgically. The decrease in hydrochloric acid secretion that would result from this procedure would be most helpful to an individual with
A. diarrhea
B. appendicitis
C. gallstones
D. ulcers
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D) ulcers
- Correct: The decrease in hydrochloric acid secretion resulting from the surgical cutting of a branch of the nerve regulating stomach secretions would be most helpful to an individual with ulcers. Ulcers are sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus due to factors such as infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or excessive alcohol consumption. Hydrochloric acid plays a significant role in the formation and exacerbation of ulcers by increasing the acidity of the stomach, which can irritate and erode the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, reducing hydrochloric acid secretion can help alleviate the symptoms and promote healing of ulcers.
A) diarrhea
- Incorrect: Decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion would not directly address the underlying causes of diarrhea, which may be related to infections, dietary issues, or other factors affecting gastrointestinal motility and water absorption.
B) appendicitis
- Incorrect: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch located near the junction of the small and large intestines. Decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion would not directly affect the development or treatment of appendicitis.
C) gallstones
- Incorrect: Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and can obstruct the flow of bile. Decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion would not directly address the formation or treatment of gallstones, as they are primarily composed of cholesterol or bilirubin, not affected by changes in stomach acid levels.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.
More Questions on Digestive System Practice Exam 1
Question 1:
In humans, structures that release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine include both the
A. salivary glands and the pancreas
B. gall bladder and the lacteals
C. villi and the salivary glands
D. pancreas and the gall bladder
The Correct Answer is D.D) pancreas and the gallbladder
- Correct: Both the pancreas and the gallbladder release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine. The pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes (such as amylase, lipase, and proteases) into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to aid in the emulsification and digestion of fats.
A) salivary glands and the pancreas
- Incorrect: While the pancreas releases digestive secretions directly into the small intestine, the salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth, which contains enzymes (such as amylase) that begin the digestion of carbohydrates. Salivary glands do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.
B) gall bladder and the lacteals
- Incorrect: The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. Lacteals are lymphatic vessels found in the villi of the small intestine and are involved in the absorption of fats, but they do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.
C) villi and the salivary glands
- Incorrect: Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients but do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine. Salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth to initiate the digestion of carbohydrates but do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.
Question 2:
Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below, which represents the human digestive system.
Most reabsorption of water occurs within structure
A. F
B. G
C. C
D. D
The Correct Answer is A.Most reabsorption of water occurs in the large intestine, F.
Question 3:
After food enters the small intestine, lipases, proteases, and amylases are secreted into the small intestine by the
A. liver
B. gallbladder
C. salivary glands
D. pancreas
The Correct Answer is D.D) pancreas
- Correct: After food enters the small intestine, lipases (for fat digestion), proteases (for protein digestion), and amylases (for carbohydrate digestion) are secreted into the small intestine by the pancreas. These digestive enzymes are produced by the pancreas and released into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas plays a crucial role in providing these enzymes to aid in the breakdown of macronutrients (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the intestinal lining.
A) liver
- Incorrect: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the emulsification of fats. While bile is important for fat digestion, it does not contain lipases, proteases, or amylases.
B) gallbladder
- Incorrect: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, but it does not secrete lipases, proteases, or amylases. Bile aids in the emulsification of fats but does not contain digestive enzymes.
C) salivary glands
- Incorrect: Salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth, which contains amylase, an enzyme that begins the digestion of carbohydrates. However, after food enters the small intestine, digestive enzymes are primarily secreted by the pancreas, not the salivary glands.
Question 4:
Emulsification of fats in the small intestines is due to the action of bile, which is released into the intestine from the
A. stomach
B. gall bladder
C. villi
D. lacteals
The Correct Answer is B.B) gall bladder
- Correct: Bile, which aids in the emulsification of fats in the small intestine, is stored and concentrated in the gall bladder before being released into the small intestine. When fatty foods enter the small intestine, the gall bladder contracts and releases bile into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Bile helps to break down large fat globules into smaller droplets, a process known as emulsification, which increases the surface area for the action of digestive enzymes, such as lipase, facilitating the digestion and absorption of fats.
A) stomach
- Incorrect: Bile is not released from the stomach. The stomach primarily secretes gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen to aid in the digestion of proteins.
C) villi
- Incorrect: Villi are finger-like projections in the lining of the small intestine that increase its surface area for nutrient absorption but do not release bile.
D) lacteals
- Incorrect: Lacteals are lymphatic vessels found in the villi of the small intestine that absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. They do not release bile.
Question 5:
In some regions of the world, children suffer from a protein deficiency known as kwashiorkor. This deficiency occurs when a child's diet is changed from high-protein breast milk to watery cereal. Even though the child is receiving calories, the child becomes sick and less active, and growth ceases. These symptoms are probably due to
A. too many nucleic acids in the diet
B. an overconsumption of complete protein foods
C. not enough carbohydrates in the diet
D. a lack of essential amino acids in the diet
The Correct Answer is D.D) a lack of essential amino acids in the diet
- Correct: Kwashiorkor is a form of severe acute malnutrition that occurs due to inadequate protein intake, particularly deficient in essential amino acids. When a child's diet is changed from high-protein breast milk to watery cereal, which is often low in protein and deficient in essential amino acids, the child may develop kwashiorkor despite receiving calories. Essential amino acids are necessary for proper growth, immune function, and overall health. Without an adequate supply of essential amino acids, the body cannot synthesize proteins required for various physiological processes, leading to symptoms such as stunted growth, lethargy, edema (swelling), and weakened immune function, which are characteristic of kwashiorkor.
A) too many nucleic acids in the diet
- Incorrect: Kwashiorkor is not caused by an excess of nucleic acids in the diet. Nucleic acids are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are not directly related to the development of kwashiorkor.
B) an overconsumption of complete protein foods
- Incorrect: Kwashiorkor results from a deficiency in protein intake, particularly inadequate consumption of essential amino acids, rather than an overconsumption of complete protein foods.
C) not enough carbohydrates in the diet
- Incorrect: While a diet lacking in carbohydrates can lead to energy deficiency, it does not directly cause the symptoms of kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is primarily associated with inadequate protein intake, not insufficient carbohydrate intake.
Question 6:
Salmonella bacteria can cause humans to have stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The effect these bacteria have on humans indicates that Salmonella bacteria are
A. predators
B. pathogenic organisms
C. parasitic fungi
D. decomposers
The Correct Answer is B.B) pathogenic organisms
- Correct: Salmonella bacteria are pathogenic organisms, meaning they can cause disease in humans and other animals. When ingested, Salmonella bacteria can lead to symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Salmonella infection, known as salmonellosis, is a common cause of foodborne illness, often associated with the consumption of contaminated food, particularly undercooked poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products.
A) predators
- Incorrect: Predators are organisms that hunt, kill, and consume other organisms for food. Salmonella bacteria are not predators; they do not actively hunt and consume other organisms.
C) parasitic fungi
- Incorrect: Salmonella bacteria are not parasitic fungi. Parasitic fungi are fungi that derive nutrients from living organisms, often causing harm or disease. Salmonella bacteria are a distinct type of pathogenic bacteria, not fungi.
D) decomposers
- Incorrect: Decomposers are organisms that break down and feed on dead organic matter, aiding in the process of decomposition. Salmonella bacteria are not decomposers; they are pathogenic bacteria that can cause illness in humans and animals.
Question 7:
Glycogen is best described as a
A. complex carbohydrate that is often stored in red blood cells
B. complete protein necessary for the synthesis of cell membranes
C. polysaccharide that is synthesized and stored within the human liver
D. by-product of sucrose digestion within the pancreas
The Correct Answer is C.C) polysaccharide that is synthesized and stored within the human liver
- Correct: Glycogen is a polysaccharide, which means it is a complex carbohydrate composed of many glucose molecules linked together. It is synthesized and stored primarily in the liver and muscles of humans and other vertebrates. Glycogen serves as a form of energy storage, allowing organisms to store glucose for later use when energy demands are high or when glucose availability is low.
A) complex carbohydrate that is often stored in red blood cells
- Incorrect: While glycogen is a complex carbohydrate, it is not stored in red blood cells. Red blood cells do not contain nuclei or organelles, including glycogen storage structures.
B) complete protein necessary for the synthesis of cell membranes
- Incorrect: Glycogen is not a protein. It is a carbohydrate used for energy storage. Proteins are composed of amino acids and are involved in various cellular functions, including the synthesis of cell membranes, but glycogen does not play a direct role in this process.
D) by-product of sucrose digestion within the pancreas
- Incorrect: Glycogen is not a by-product of sucrose digestion within the pancreas. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, and it is broken down into its component sugars by enzymes in the small intestine, not the pancreas. Glycogen is synthesized and stored in the liver and muscles as a form of energy storage.
Question 8:
Which structures secrete chemicals utilized for the completion of digestion within the small intestine?
A. liver and pancreas
B. glomerulus and villi
C. esophagus and alveoli
D. gallbladder and pharynx
The Correct Answer is A.A) liver and pancreas
- Correct: The liver and pancreas both secrete chemicals that are utilized for the completion of digestion within the small intestine. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the emulsification and digestion of fats. The pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes (such as amylase, lipase, and proteases) into the small intestine to further break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into smaller molecules that can be absorbed.
B) glomerulus and villi
- Incorrect: The glomerulus is a part of the kidney involved in the filtration of blood, and villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption. While villi play a role in absorption within the small intestine, they do not secrete chemicals for digestion. The glomerulus is not involved in digestion.
C) esophagus and alveoli
- Incorrect: The esophagus is involved in swallowing and does not secrete chemicals for digestion. Alveoli are air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs during respiration and are not involved in digestion.
D) gallbladder and pharynx
- Incorrect: The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver but does not secrete chemicals directly into the small intestine. The pharynx is involved in swallowing and does not secrete chemicals for digestion.
Question 9:
Which of these nutrients is absorbed mainly in the duodenum?
A. glucose
B. iron
C. sodium
D. water
The Correct Answer is B.b) iron
- Correct: Iron is mainly absorbed in the duodenum, particularly in its proximal portion. Iron absorption occurs through active transport mechanisms facilitated by specialized transport proteins in the duodenal epithelial cells. Once absorbed, iron can be transported into the bloodstream and utilized for various physiological functions, including the production of hemoglobin and other iron-containing proteins.
a) glucose
- Incorrect: Glucose is primarily absorbed in the small intestine, but its absorption occurs mainly in the jejunum and ileum rather than the duodenum. Glucose is absorbed through facilitated diffusion and active transport mechanisms in the epithelial cells lining the small intestine.
c) sodium
- Incorrect: Sodium is absorbed throughout the small intestine, including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Its absorption occurs through active transport mechanisms in the epithelial cells lining the intestinal mucosa, primarily in conjunction with glucose and other nutrients.
d) water
- Incorrect: Absorption of water indeed takes place in the large intestine, particularly in the colon.
Question 10:
The pancreas is an organ connected to the digestive tract of humans by a duct (tube) through which digestive enzymes flow. Why are these enzymes important to the digestive system?
A. They form proteins needed in the stomach.
B. They form the acids that break down food.
C. They change food substances into molecules that can pass into the bloodstream and cells.
D. They change food materials into wastes that can be passed out of the body.
The Correct Answer is C.C) They change food substances into molecules that can pass into the bloodstream and cells.
- Correct: Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas play a crucial role in breaking down complex food molecules into smaller, absorbable molecules that can pass through the walls of the small intestine and into the bloodstream. These smaller molecules include carbohydrates broken down into simple sugars, proteins broken down into amino acids, and fats broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. Once these molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream, they can be transported to cells throughout the body to provide energy and support various metabolic processes.
A) They form proteins needed in the stomach.
- Incorrect: Digestive enzymes do not form proteins needed in the stomach. Proteins are broken down into amino acids by digestive enzymes, but the enzymes themselves do not form proteins.
B) They form the acids that break down food.
- Incorrect: Digestive enzymes do not form acids. Acids such as hydrochloric acid are secreted by the stomach and aid in the breakdown of food, particularly proteins, but they are not formed by pancreatic enzymes.
D) They change food materials into wastes that can be passed out of the body.
- Incorrect: While digestive enzymes help break down food materials, their primary function is to convert these materials into absorbable molecules rather than wastes. The conversion of food into waste products occurs primarily through processes in the digestive tract and is facilitated by enzymes as part of digestion, but it is not the direct role of pancreatic enzymes.