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Most of the nutrient absorption along the alimentary canal occurs in the

A. ascending colon

B. stomach

C. jejunum

D. ileum

Answer Explanation:

C. jejunum

- Correct: Most of the nutrient absorption along the alimentary canal occurs in the jejunum, which is the middle segment of the small intestine. The jejunum has a highly folded inner surface covered with finger-like projections called villi and even smaller microvilli. These structures greatly increase the surface area available for absorption. The epithelial cells lining the villi contain numerous transport proteins and enzymes responsible for absorbing nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream for distribution to the body's cells.

A. ascending colon

- Incorrect: The ascending colon is part of the large intestine (colon) where water and electrolytes are primarily absorbed, but it is not a major site of nutrient absorption.

B. stomach

- Incorrect: While some substances, such as water, electrolytes, alcohol, and certain drugs, can be absorbed in small amounts in the stomach, the stomach is not a major site of nutrient absorption. Its main function is to begin the digestion of proteins and store food temporarily.

D. ileum

- Incorrect: The ileum is the final segment of the small intestine, and while it does participate in nutrient absorption, the majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the jejunum, which precedes the ileum along the alimentary canal. The ileum primarily absorbs bile salts, vitamin B12, and some remaining nutrients not absorbed in the jejunum.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: During gastric emptying, chyme is released into the duodenum through the ________.

    A. esophageal hiatus

    B. pyloric antrum

    C. pyloric canal

    D. pyloric sphincter

    Answer Explanation

    c) pyloric sphincter

    - Correct: During gastric emptying, chyme (partially digested food) is released from the stomach into the duodenum through the pyloric sphincter. The pyloric sphincter is a muscular valve located at the junction between the stomach and the duodenum. It regulates the passage of chyme from the stomach into the small intestine, allowing for controlled release and preventing backflow of intestinal contents into the stomach.

    a) pyloric antrum

    - Incorrect: The pyloric antrum is the lower portion of the stomach that leads into the pyloric canal. It is involved in mixing and churning food, but it does not regulate the release of chyme into the duodenum.

    b) pyloric canal

    - Incorrect: The pyloric canal is the narrow portion of the stomach that connects the pyloric antrum to the pyloric sphincter. It is involved in directing chyme toward the pyloric sphincter for release into the duodenum, but it is not the site of chyme release itself.

    The esophageal hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes as it descends from the thoracic cavity into the abdominal cavity. It is not directly involved in gastric emptying.

  • Q #2: Which of these cells secrete hormones?

    A. parietal cells

    B. mucous neck cells

    C. enteroendocrine cells

    D. chief cells

    Answer Explanation

    c) enteroendocrine cells

    - Correct: Enteroendocrine cells are specialized cells located in the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract that secrete hormones. These hormones play various roles in the regulation of digestion, nutrient absorption, and other physiological processes. Examples of hormones secreted by enteroendocrine cells include gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and ghrelin.

    a) parietal cells

    - Incorrect: Parietal cells are found in the gastric glands of the stomach and secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor, but they do not secrete hormones.

    b) mucous neck cells

    - Incorrect: Mucous neck cells are found in the gastric glands of the stomach and secrete mucus, which helps protect the stomach lining from the acidic environment, but they do not secrete hormones.

    d) chief cells

    - Incorrect: Chief cells are found in the gastric glands of the stomach and secrete pepsinogen, the precursor to the enzyme pepsin, which plays a role in protein digestion. Chief cells do not secrete hormones.

  • Q #3: The pancreas, liver, and gallbladder help digestion in these ways, respectively:

    A. making enzymes; making bile and processing nutrients; and storing bile

    B. producing saliva; digesting carbohydrates; and eliminating waste

    C. producing hormones; producing enzymes; and eliminating waste

    D. making acids; producing digestive juices; and storing enzymes

    Answer Explanation

    a. making enzymes; making bile and processing nutrients; and storing bile

    - Correct: The pancreas, liver, and gallbladder help digestion in the following ways:

    1. The pancreas produces and secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These enzymes include amylase (for carbohydrates), proteases (for proteins), and lipases (for fats).

    2. The liver produces bile, a digestive fluid that emulsifies fats by breaking them down into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area for enzymes to act upon. The liver also processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

    3. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. When needed for digestion, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine via the common bile duct to aid in the emulsification and digestion of fats.

    Therefore, option a accurately describes the roles of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder in digestion.