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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.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: 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.

  • Q #2: 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

    Answer Explanation

    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.

  • Q #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

    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.