/

Into which parts of the human digestive system are digestive enzymes secreted?

A. mouth, esophagus, stomach

B. stomach, small intestine, large intestine

C. mouth, stomach, small intestine

D. esophagus, stomach, large intestine

Answer Explanation:

A) Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach: This option is incorrect because while saliva in the mouth does contain digestive enzymes (such as amylase for breaking down carbohydrates), the esophagus is not a site of enzyme secretion. The stomach secretes gastric juices which primarily contain hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen (which is converted to pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme), but the esophagus itself does not secrete digestive enzymes.

B) Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine: This option is incorrect because while both the small intestine and the large intestine play crucial roles in digestion and absorption, enzyme secretion mainly occurs in the stomach and small intestine. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and salts and does not secrete digestive enzymes.

C) Mouth, Stomach, Small Intestine: This option is correct. Enzymes are secreted in the mouth (amylase), stomach (pepsin for protein digestion), and small intestine (various enzymes including pancreatic enzymes like lipase, protease, and amylase, as well as enzymes produced by the intestinal lining).

D) Esophagus, Stomach, Large Intestine: This option is incorrect because while the stomach does secrete digestive enzymes, the esophagus and large intestine do not. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and salts and does not secrete digestive enzymes.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: 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.

    Answer Explanation

    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.

  • Q #2: 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.

  • Q #3: Hardened deposits of cholesterol that accumulate in the structure that stores bile are known as

    A. gallstones

    B. ulcers

    C. goiters

    D. allergies

    Answer Explanation

    A) gallstones

    - Correct: Hardened deposits of cholesterol that accumulate in the structure that stores bile, which is the gallbladder, are known as gallstones. Gallstones can also contain other substances, such as bilirubin or calcium salts, in addition to cholesterol. These stones can vary in size and may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice. In severe cases, gallstones may require medical intervention, including surgery, to remove them.

    B) ulcers

    - Incorrect: Ulcers are sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the digestive tract, commonly in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). They are not related to hardened deposits of cholesterol in the gallbladder.

    C) goiters

    - Incorrect: Goiters are abnormal enlargements of the thyroid gland in the neck. They can be caused by iodine deficiency, thyroid disorders, or other factors, but they are not related to gallstones.

    D) allergies

    - Incorrect: Allergies are immune responses to specific substances (allergens) that the body perceives as harmful, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or anaphylaxis. They are not related to hardened deposits of cholesterol in the gallbladder.