If no carbohydrate ingestion occurs in the body during a 24-hour period, liver activity provides for the body's needs by

A. emulsification

B. manufacturing more bile

C. converting glycogen into glucose

D. releasing iron

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Answer Explanation:

C) converting glycogen into glucose

- Correct: When no carbohydrate ingestion occurs in the body during a 24-hour period, the liver can provide for the body's glucose needs by converting stored glycogen into glucose through a process known as glycogenolysis. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in the liver and muscles. When blood glucose levels decrease, such as during fasting or low carbohydrate intake, the liver breaks down glycogen into glucose molecules, which are then released into the bloodstream to maintain blood glucose levels and provide energy to cells throughout the body.

A) emulsification

- Incorrect: Emulsification is a process by which bile breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets to aid in fat digestion in the small intestine. It is not related to the liver's role in glucose metabolism.

B) manufacturing more bile

- Incorrect: The liver produces bile continuously, regardless of carbohydrate ingestion. While the liver's production of bile is important for fat digestion and absorption, it is not directly related to glucose metabolism.

D) releasing iron

- Incorrect: The liver is involved in storing and regulating iron levels in the body, but releasing iron is not directly related to providing for the body's glucose needs in the absence of carbohydrate ingestion.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

More Questions on Digestive System Practice Exam 1

Question 1:

All of the following are organs of the digestive system except

A. the stomach

B. the mouth

C. the intestines

D. the heart

The Correct Answer is D.

A) The stomach - This is an organ of the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in breaking down food through the secretion of gastric juices, which contain enzymes and acids to begin the process of digestion. Therefore, option A is correct.

B) The mouth - The mouth is also an organ of the digestive system. It is where the process of digestion begins, as it is responsible for chewing and breaking down food into smaller pieces. Additionally, saliva produced in the mouth contains enzymes that start the chemical breakdown of food. Therefore, option B is correct.

C) The intestines - Both the small intestine and the large intestine are essential organs of the digestive system. The small intestine is where most of the absorption of nutrients from food occurs, while the large intestine absorbs water and salts from the material that has not been digested. Therefore, option C is correct.

D) The heart - The heart is not an organ of the digestive system. Instead, it is a part of the circulatory system responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. While the circulatory system works in conjunction with the digestive system to transport nutrients absorbed from the intestines to various tissues and organs, the heart itself is not directly involved in digestion. Therefore, option D is incorrect.


Question 2:

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 3:

Which disorder would most directly interfere with the emulsification of fats?

A. bronchitis

B. gout

C. goiter

D. gallstones

The Correct Answer is D.

D) gallstones

- Correct: Gallstones would most directly interfere with the emulsification of fats. Emulsification of fats is primarily facilitated by bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, often consisting of cholesterol or bilirubin. These stones can obstruct the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine, impairing the emulsification of fats and leading to difficulties in fat digestion and absorption. This obstruction can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion.

A) bronchitis

- Incorrect: Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs and does not directly interfere with the emulsification of fats in the digestive system.

B) gout

- Incorrect: Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, typically affecting the feet. It does not directly interfere with the emulsification of fats in the digestive system.

C) goiter

- Incorrect: Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck, often due to iodine deficiency or thyroid disorders. It does not directly interfere with the emulsification of fats in the digestive system.


Question 4:

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 5:

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 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:

Some vitamins are essential to an organism because they function as

A. coenzymes

B. auxins

C. hormones

D. neurotransmitters

The Correct Answer is A.

A) coenzymes

- Correct: Some vitamins function as coenzymes, which are molecules that assist enzymes in their catalytic activity. Coenzymes work together with enzymes to facilitate various biochemical reactions in the body. For example, certain B vitamins (such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin) act as coenzymes in energy metabolism, while vitamin K acts as a coenzyme in blood clotting. Without these essential vitamins, many metabolic processes in the body would be impaired, leading to various health problems.

B) auxins

- Incorrect: Auxins are plant hormones that regulate plant growth and development. They are not vitamins and do not function as coenzymes in biochemical reactions in organisms.

C) hormones

- Incorrect: Hormones are signaling molecules that regulate various physiological processes in organisms. While some vitamins may indirectly influence hormone production or function, they do not function primarily as hormones themselves.

D) neurotransmitters

- Incorrect: Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells (neurons) in the nervous system. They are not vitamins and do not function as coenzymes in biochemical reactions in organisms.

 


Question 8:

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 9:

A source of roughage in the human diet is supplied by certain

A. saturated lipids

B. complete proteins

C. complex carbohydrates

D. nucleic acids

The Correct Answer is C.

C) complex carbohydrates

- Correct: Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, are sources of roughage in the human diet. Roughage, also known as dietary fiber, refers to the indigestible portion of plant foods that adds bulk to the stool and promotes healthy digestion. Complex carbohydrates contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and promote overall digestive health.

A) saturated lipids

- Incorrect: Saturated lipids, commonly found in animal fats and some plant oils, are not sources of roughage. While they are a component of the diet and provide energy, they do not contribute to the fiber content of the diet.

 

B) complete proteins

- Incorrect: Complete proteins, which contain all essential amino acids, are not sources of roughage. Proteins are important for building and repairing tissues, as well as for various physiological functions, but they do not provide dietary fiber.

D) nucleic acids

- Incorrect: Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are not sources of roughage. They are essential molecules involved in genetic information transfer and protein synthesis but are not related to the fiber content of the diet.


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.