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A disorder of the digestive system that can cause severe dehydration is known as

A. appendicitis

B. gallstones

C. constipation

D. diarrhea

Answer Explanation:

D) diarrhea

- Correct: Diarrhea is a disorder of the digestive system that can cause severe dehydration. Diarrhea is characterized by frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements, often accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating, and urgency. It occurs when the intestines fail to properly absorb water or when excess fluid is secreted into the intestines. Diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance, resulting in dehydration, particularly if not promptly treated by replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes.

A) appendicitis

- Incorrect: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch located near the junction of the small and large intestines. While appendicitis can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting, it is not directly associated with dehydration.

B) gallstones

- Incorrect: Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice. While gallstones can lead to complications such as obstruction of the bile duct, they are not directly associated with dehydration.

C) constipation

- Incorrect: Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool, often characterized by hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. While severe constipation can cause discomfort and complications such as fecal impaction, it is not directly associated with dehydration.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Which of these processes occurs in the mouth?

    A. ingestion

    B. mechanical digestion

    C. chemical digestion

    D. all of the above

    Answer Explanation

    d) all of the above

    - Correct: All of the listed processes occur in the mouth:

    a) Ingestion: The mouth is the entry point for food into the digestive system. Ingestion refers to the act of taking food or drink into the mouth.

    b) Mechanical digestion: Mechanical digestion involves the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces through actions such as chewing and mixing with saliva. In the mouth, the teeth tear and grind food into smaller particles, which increases the surface area for chemical digestion.

    c) Chemical digestion: Chemical digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller molecules by enzymes and other chemicals. In the mouth, salivary glands secrete saliva, which contains the enzyme amylase. Amylase begins the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates, converting starches into simpler sugars such as maltose.

    Therefore, all of the processes listed—ingestion, mechanical digestion, and chemical digestion—occur in the mouth during the initial stages of digestion.

  • Q #2: Which is a function of the liver in human adults?

    A. manufacturing red blood cells

    B. producing chemical compounds known as auxins

    C. storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen

    D. synthesizing the hormone insulin

    Answer Explanation

    C) storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen

    - Correct: One of the functions of the liver in human adults is storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in the body. When blood glucose levels are high, such as after a meal, the liver takes up excess glucose and converts it into glycogen for storage. When blood glucose levels drop, such as between meals or during fasting, the liver breaks down glycogen and releases glucose into the bloodstream to maintain blood sugar levels within a normal range.

    A) manufacturing red blood cells

    - Incorrect: The primary site of red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) in adults is the bone marrow, not the liver. While the liver is involved in the production of blood proteins and components, such as albumin, clotting factors, and plasma proteins, it is not responsible for manufacturing red blood cells.

    B) producing chemical compounds known as auxins

    - Incorrect: Auxins are a class of plant hormones involved in various physiological processes, such as cell elongation, apical dominance, and root development. They are not produced by the liver in human adults.

    D) synthesizing the hormone insulin

    - Incorrect: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, not the liver. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production or storage. While the liver responds to insulin by regulating glucose metabolism and storage, it does not synthesize insulin itself.

  • Q #3: Which of these statements about bile is true?

    A. About 500 mL is secreted daily.

    B. Its main function is the denaturation of proteins.

    C. It is synthesized in the gallbladder.

    D. Bile salts are recycled.

    Answer Explanation

    d) Bile salts are recycled.

    - Correct: Bile salts are recycled in the enterohepatic circulation. After aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine, bile salts are reabsorbed in the terminal ileum and transported back to the liver via the portal vein. Once in the liver, they are re-secreted into bile, allowing for their reuse in subsequent digestive processes. This recycling of bile salts is an important mechanism for conserving these critical components of bile.

    a) About 500 mL is secreted daily.

    - Incorrect: The daily secretion of bile by the liver is approximately 600-1000 mL, not 500 mL. Bile is continuously produced by hepatocytes (liver cells) and stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until it is released into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.

    b) Its main function is the denaturation of proteins.

    - Incorrect: The main function of bile is not the denaturation of proteins. Bile aids in the emulsification and digestion of fats by breaking them down into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for the action of pancreatic lipase and facilitating the absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins.

    c) It is synthesized in the gallbladder.

    - Incorrect: Bile is not synthesized in the gallbladder. It is produced by hepatocytes (liver cells) in the liver and then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until needed for digestion.