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

Answer Explanation:

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.

Q #1: Which of these nutrients is absorbed mainly in the duodenum?

A. glucose

B. iron

C. sodium

D. water

Answer Explanation

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.
Q #2: In humans, chemical digestion is accomplished

A. by enzyme action that begins in the mouth and ends in the

B. esophagus

C. stomach

D. small intestine

Answer Explanation

C) small intestine

- Correct: Chemical digestion in humans is a complex process involving various enzymes acting on different nutrients. While digestion does begin in the mouth with the action of enzymes like salivary amylase on carbohydrates, the majority of chemical digestion occurs in the small intestine. Enzymes secreted by the pancreas (such as pancreatic amylase, lipase, and proteases) and the small intestine itself (such as maltase, sucrase, lactase, and peptidases) break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into smaller molecules. Additionally, bile salts produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder aid in the emulsification and digestion of fats in the small intestine. Therefore, chemical digestion largely concludes in the small intestine before nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

A) esophagus

- Incorrect: The esophagus is primarily involved in the mechanical process of swallowing, which pushes food down into the stomach. While some minor enzymatic activity may occur due to saliva coating the food during swallowing, significant chemical digestion does not occur in the esophagus.

B) stomach

- Incorrect: While the stomach does play a role in chemical digestion, particularly in the breakdown of proteins by the enzyme pepsin and the denaturation of proteins by hydrochloric acid, the majority of chemical digestion occurs in the small intestine. The stomach mainly serves to mechanically churn food and begin the process of protein digestion.

D) gallbladder

- Incorrect: The gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the liver, which aids in the emulsification and digestion of fats in the small intestine. However, the gallbladder itself is not directly involved in chemical digestion, and the majority of digestive enzymes are not secreted or stored in the gallbladder.
Q #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

Answer Explanation

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.

Free Access on TEAS 7 Exams and Study Notes

Access to all TEAS 7 Exams
Performance Tracking and Analysis
Well Documented and Explained Questions and Answers
2000+ Questions and Correct Answers: Answers Well Explained
Libary of Detailed StudyNotes
Topical Questions and Answers on Examinable topics

Join Now

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

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

Q #1: Which of these nutrients is absorbed mainly in the duodenum?

Answer Explanation

Q #2: In humans, chemical digestion is accomplished

Answer Explanation

Q #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

Answer Explanation

Free Access on TEAS 7 Exams and Study Notes

TEAS 7 Exams (Q&A)

TEAS 7 Study Notes

TEAS 7 Topical Tests

TEAS 7 Study Guides

Quick Links

Refer a Friend