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The small intestine possesses permanent folds along its length known as

A. plicae circulares

B. haustra

C. villi

D. intestinal crypts

Answer Explanation:

A. plicae circulares

- Correct: The small intestine possesses permanent folds along its length known as plicae circulares, also called circular folds or valvulae conniventes. These folds are permanent transverse ridges of the mucosa and submucosa that project into the lumen of the small intestine. They increase the surface area for absorption and digestion by slowing the passage of chyme and increasing contact between chyme and the intestinal lining, facilitating nutrient absorption.

B. haustra

- Incorrect: Haustra are pouches or sacculations formed by the muscularis externa of the colon (large intestine), not the folds of the small intestine.

C. villi

- Incorrect: Villi are finger-like projections of the mucosa of the small intestine that extend into the lumen. While villi increase the surface area for absorption, they are not permanent folds along the length of the small intestine.

D. intestinal crypts

- Incorrect: Intestinal crypts, also known as crypts of Lieberkühn, are invaginations of the epithelium located between villi in the mucosa of the small intestine. They contain stem cells that continuously divide and give rise to new epithelial cells, helping to replenish the epithelial lining of the intestine. Crypts are not permanent folds along the length of the small intestine.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is A.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Which of the following organs is supported by a layer of adventitia rather than serosa?

    A. esophagus

    B. stomach

    C. small intestine

    D. large intestine

    Answer Explanation

    a) esophagus

    - Correct: The esophagus is supported by a layer of adventitia rather than serosa. The adventitia is a connective tissue layer that covers organs and structures that are not located within the peritoneal cavity. In the case of the esophagus, it lies behind the trachea and heart and passes through the diaphragm before connecting to the stomach. Since it is located outside the peritoneal cavity, it is covered by adventitia instead of serosa, which is the visceral peritoneum that covers organs within the abdominal cavity.

    b) stomach

    - Incorrect: The stomach is supported by a layer of serosa, which is the visceral peritoneum covering organs within the abdominal cavity.

    c) small intestine

    - Incorrect: The small intestine is supported by a layer of serosa, which is the visceral peritoneum covering organs within the abdominal cavity.

    d) large intestine

    - Incorrect: The large intestine is supported by a layer of serosa, which is the visceral peritoneum covering organs within the abdominal cavity.

  • Q #2: In which organ of the human body is urea produced as a result of the breakdown of amino acids?

    A. liver

    B. pancreas

    C. stomach

    D. small intestine

    Answer Explanation

    A) liver

    - Correct: Urea is produced in the liver as a result of the breakdown of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and when proteins are metabolized for energy or other purposes, their constituent amino acids are broken down in a process called deamination. During deamination, the amino groups (-NH2) are removed from the amino acids, forming ammonia (NH3). The liver converts ammonia into urea through a series of biochemical reactions known as the urea cycle. Urea is then excreted by the kidneys in the urine, helping to remove nitrogenous waste from the body.

    B) pancreas

    - Incorrect: The pancreas is an organ involved in the production of digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin and glucagon. It is not primarily responsible for the production of urea from the breakdown of amino acids.

    C) stomach

    - Incorrect: The stomach is primarily involved in the mechanical and chemical digestion of food, particularly proteins. While protein digestion begins in the stomach with the action of gastric juices containing enzymes such as pepsin, urea production from the breakdown of amino acids occurs mainly in the liver.

    D) small intestine

    - Incorrect: The small intestine is primarily involved in the absorption of nutrients from digested food, rather than the production of urea from the breakdown of amino acids. While some amino acids may be absorbed in the small intestine, urea production primarily occurs in the liver.

  • Q #3: 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.