/

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.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is A.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: In humans, structures that release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine include both the

    A. salivary glands and the pancreas

    B. gall bladder and the lacteals

    C. villi and the salivary glands

    D. pancreas and the gall bladder

    Answer Explanation

    D) pancreas and the gallbladder

    - Correct: Both the pancreas and the gallbladder release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine. The pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes (such as amylase, lipase, and proteases) into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to aid in the emulsification and digestion of fats.

    A) salivary glands and the pancreas

    - Incorrect: While the pancreas releases digestive secretions directly into the small intestine, the salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth, which contains enzymes (such as amylase) that begin the digestion of carbohydrates. Salivary glands do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.

    B) gall bladder and the lacteals

    - Incorrect: The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. Lacteals are lymphatic vessels found in the villi of the small intestine and are involved in the absorption of fats, but they do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.

    C) villi and the salivary glands

    - Incorrect: Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients but do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine. Salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth to initiate the digestion of carbohydrates but do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.

  • Q #2: Bile is a secretion which aids in the digestion of

    A. lipids

    B. proteins

    C. saccharides

    D. starches

    Answer Explanation

    A) lipids

    - Correct: Bile is a secretion produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It aids in the digestion of lipids (fats) by emulsifying large fat globules into smaller droplets. This process increases the surface area of fats, allowing digestive enzymes such as lipase to more efficiently break them down into smaller molecules (fatty acids and glycerol) that can be absorbed in the small intestine.

    B) proteins

    - Incorrect: Bile does not aid in the digestion of proteins. Proteins are broken down by specific digestive enzymes such as pepsin in the stomach and proteases in the small intestine.

    C) saccharides

    - Incorrect: Bile does not aid in the digestion of saccharides, which are carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes such as amylase into simple sugars (monosaccharides) during the process of digestion.

    D) starches

    - Incorrect: Bile does not aid in the digestion of starches. Starches are complex carbohydrates

  • Q #3: 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

    Answer Explanation

    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.