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

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Answer Explanation:

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.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.

More Questions on Digestive System Practice Exam 1

Question 1:

Which food would provide the most roughage for the body?

A. baked fresh fish

B. lettuce-and-tomato salad

C. fried chicken breast

D. milkshake

The Correct Answer is B.

B) lettuce-and-tomato salad

- Correct: Lettuce-and-tomato salad would provide the most roughage for the body. Roughage, also known as dietary fiber or bulk, refers to the indigestible portion of plant foods that adds bulk to the stool and helps regulate bowel movements. Lettuce and tomatoes are both rich sources of dietary fiber. Lettuce, especially varieties like romaine or leaf lettuce, contains cellulose and other insoluble fibers, while tomatoes contain soluble fibers like pectin. Consuming a salad made of lettuce and tomatoes would provide a significant amount of roughage to the body, promoting digestive health and regular bowel movements.

A) baked fresh fish

- Incorrect: Fish does not contain significant amounts of dietary fiber. While fish is a valuable source of protein and other nutrients, it is not a source of roughage.

C) fried chicken breast

- Incorrect: Fried chicken breast does not contain significant amounts of dietary fiber. Additionally, frying can add unhealthy fats and calories to the chicken breast, further reducing its nutritional value in terms of roughage.

D) milkshake

- Incorrect: Milkshakes are typically made with milk, ice cream, and flavorings, none of which provide dietary fiber. In fact, milkshakes are generally low in fiber and may contain high amounts of sugar and fat, making them poor choices for increasing roughage intake.


Question 2:

Which nutrients can be absorbed without first being digested in the human gastrointestinal tract?

A. carbohydrates and polypeptides

B. proteins and vitamins

C. minerals and polysaccharides

D. vitamins and minerals

The Correct Answer is D.

D) vitamins and minerals

- Correct: Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that can be absorbed without first being digested in the human gastrointestinal tract. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which require enzymatic digestion to break them down into smaller molecules for absorption, vitamins and minerals are already in a form that can be readily absorbed by the body. Once absorbed, vitamins and minerals play essential roles in various physiological processes, such as metabolism, immune function, and bone health.

A) carbohydrates and polypeptides

- Incorrect: Carbohydrates and polypeptides (large protein molecules) require enzymatic digestion to break them down into simpler molecules (such as glucose from carbohydrates and amino acids from polypeptides) before they can be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.

B) proteins and vitamins

- Incorrect: Proteins require enzymatic digestion to break them down into amino acids before they can be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. While vitamins do not require digestion and can be directly absorbed, proteins do not fall into this category.

C) minerals and polysaccharides

- Incorrect: Minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc, can be directly absorbed without prior digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. However, polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) require enzymatic digestion into simpler sugars before they can be absorbed.


Question 3:

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 4:

The pancreas is an organ connected to the digestive tract of humans by a duct (tube) through

A. which digestive enzymes flow. These enzymes are important to the digestive system because

B. they

C. form proteins needed in the stomach

D. form the acids that break down food

The Correct Answer is C.

The enzymes secreted by the pancreas play a crucial role in the digestion process by breaking down various nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, into smaller molecules.

These smaller molecules are then absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream and subsequently transported to cells throughout the body for energy production, growth, and repair.

Therefore, these enzymes are essential for converting complex food substances into molecules that can be utilized by the body's cells for various metabolic processes.


Question 5:

Which components of the human diet contain the greatest amounts of sugars and starches?

A. meat and eggs

B. fruits and vegetables

C. minerals and milk

D. water and vitamins

The Correct Answer is B.

B) fruits and vegetables

- Correct: Fruits and vegetables contain the greatest amounts of sugars and starches in the human diet. Both fruits and vegetables are rich sources of carbohydrates, including natural sugars, fiber, and starches. These carbohydrates provide a readily available source of energy for the body. Examples of fruits with natural sugars include apples, bananas, and grapes, while starch-containing vegetables include potatoes, corn, and peas.

A) meat and eggs

- Incorrect: Meat and eggs are primarily sources of proteins and fats, not sugars and starches. They contain minimal amounts of carbohydrates.

C) minerals and milk

- Incorrect: Minerals are inorganic compounds essential for various physiological functions, and milk is a source of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (mainly lactose, a sugar). While milk contains some sugars, fruits and vegetables typically contribute more significant amounts of sugars and starches to the diet.

D) water and vitamins

- Incorrect: Water and vitamins are essential components of the diet, but they do not contain sugars and starches. Water is a vital component for hydration, and vitamins are organic compounds required for various biochemical processes in the body.


Question 6:

The digestion of food and subsequent absorption into the bloodstream is important because

A. absorbed food is toxic to the body

B. absorbed food stimulates reproduction

C. absorbed food is the raw material for metabolism

D. absorbed food aids in respiration

The Correct Answer is C.

C) absorbed food is the raw material for metabolism

- Correct: The digestion of food and subsequent absorption into the bloodstream are essential processes because absorbed food molecules serve as the raw material for metabolism. Once nutrients from food are absorbed into the bloodstream, they are transported to cells throughout the body where they are used for various metabolic processes. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used for energy production. Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are used for building and repairing tissues, as well as for synthesizing enzymes and hormones. Fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, which are used for energy production and for building cell membranes and certain hormones. Overall, absorbed food molecules provide the necessary energy and building blocks for cellular activities, growth, and maintenance of the body.

A) absorbed food is toxic to the body

- Incorrect: Absorbed food is not inherently toxic to the body. In fact, nutrients obtained from food are essential for the body's survival and proper functioning. However, certain substances in food may be harmful if absorbed in excessive amounts, such as certain vitamins or minerals. Generally, the body has mechanisms to regulate nutrient absorption and maintain homeostasis.

B) absorbed food stimulates reproduction

- Incorrect: While proper nutrition is important for overall health and fertility, absorbed food does not directly stimulate reproduction. Reproduction is regulated by various hormones and physiological processes within the body.

D) absorbed food aids in respiration

- Incorrect: While nutrients obtained from food are used by cells for energy production through respiration, absorbed food itself does not directly aid in respiration. Respiration is a complex physiological process that involves the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the lungs and cellular respiration within cells to produce energy.


Question 7:

Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below.

A digestive function of organ C is the synthesis and secretion of

A. salivary amylase

B. protease

C. hydrochloric acid

D. bile

The Correct Answer is B.

Protease enzymes are responsible for breaking down proteins in our food into amino acids. Then different enzymes join amino acids together to form new proteins needed by the body for growth and repair. Protease enzymes are produced in pancreas.


Question 8:

The absorptive surface of the small intestine is greater than that of other human digestive organs because of its length and the presence of

A. alveoli

B. neurons

C. villi

D. nephrons

The Correct Answer is C.

C) villi

- Correct: The absorptive surface of the small intestine is greatly increased due to the presence of villi. Villi are finger-like projections that line the inner surface of the small intestine. These structures greatly increase the surface area available for absorption. Each villus contains capillaries and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that absorb nutrients from digested food. The large surface area provided by the villi allows for more efficient absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

A) alveoli

- Incorrect: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs during respiration. They are not found in the digestive system and do not contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

B) neurons

- Incorrect: Neurons are nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the body, including the digestive system. While neurons play a role in regulating digestion and other digestive processes, they do not directly contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

D) nephrons

- Incorrect: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. They are not part of the digestive system and do not contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.


Question 9:

Base your answer to the following question on Which statement best expresses the information represented in the graph shown below?

A. The action of enzymes varies with pH.

B. A pH of 7 provides the optimum environment for digestive enzymes.

C. Gastric juice is active at a pH extending from 0 to 12.

D. Acids have a pH greater than 7.

The Correct Answer is A.

The action of enzymes vary with pH. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, and their activity is influenced by various factors including pH.

The pH level affects the ionization state of amino acid residues within the enzyme's active site. This, in turn, can affect the enzyme's ability to bind substrate molecules and catalyze reactions.

Different enzymes have different optimal pH ranges at which they exhibit maximum activity. This optimal pH range is determined by the specific environment in which the enzyme typically functions. For example, pepsin, which is involved in digesting proteins in the stomach, works optimally at an acidic pH around 2, whereas enzymes in the small intestine function optimally at a slightly alkaline pH around 7 to 8.

Extreme deviations from the optimal pH can denature enzymes, causing them to lose their structure and function. Therefore, maintaining the appropriate pH level is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of enzymes in biochemical reactions.


Question 10:

If a person was unable to break down food particles into molecules that could be absorbed by the body, you would predict

A. there is a malfunction with the digestive system

B. there is a malfunction with the excretory system

C. there is a malfunction with the reproductive system

D. there is a malfunction with the circulatory system

The Correct Answer is A.

A) there is a malfunction with the digestive system

- Correct: Inability to break down food particles into molecules that can be absorbed by the body suggests a malfunction with the digestive system. The digestive system is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, that can be absorbed by the intestines and utilized by the body for energy, growth, and repair. If the digestive system is not functioning properly, it can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in nutritional deficiencies and related health issues.

B) there is a malfunction with the excretory system

- Incorrect: The excretory system is responsible for removing waste products from the body, primarily through the kidneys, urinary tract, and skin. While the excretory system plays a role in eliminating some metabolic waste products generated from the breakdown of nutrients, it is not primarily responsible for the breakdown of food particles into absorbable molecules.

C) there is a malfunction with the reproductive system

- Incorrect: The reproductive system is responsible for the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) and the facilitation of reproduction. It is not directly involved in the breakdown and absorption of food particles in the digestive process.

D) there is a malfunction with the circulatory system

- Incorrect: The circulatory system, comprising the heart, blood vessels, and blood, is responsible for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and other substances throughout the body. While the circulatory system transports nutrients absorbed by the digestive system to various tissues and organs, it does not directly participate in the breakdown of food particles into absorbable molecules.