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.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

Q #1: Which structure is located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm?

A. esophageal hiatus

B. cardiac orifice

C. upper esophageal sphincter

D. lower esophageal sphincter

Answer Explanation

a) esophageal hiatus

- Correct: The structure located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm is called the esophageal hiatus. The esophagus passes through an opening in the diaphragm known as the esophageal hiatus as it descends from the thoracic cavity into the abdominal cavity. This hiatus allows the esophagus to connect the pharynx to the stomach.

b) cardiac orifice

- Incorrect: The cardiac orifice is the opening of the stomach into the esophagus. It is located at the superior portion of the stomach and is surrounded by the lower esophageal sphincter. It is not located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm.

c) upper esophageal sphincter

- Incorrect: The upper esophageal sphincter is a muscular ring located at the upper end of the esophagus, where it meets the pharynx. It controls the passage of food from the pharynx into the esophagus but is not located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm.

d) lower esophageal sphincter

- Incorrect: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), also known as the cardiac sphincter, is a muscular ring located at the lower end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach. It controls the passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach but is not located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm.
Q #2: 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.
Q #3: 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.

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Which is a function of the liver in human adults?

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

Q #1: Which structure is located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm?

Answer Explanation

Q #2: A disorder of the digestive system that can cause severe dehydration is known as

Answer Explanation

Q #3: In which organ of the human body is urea produced as a result of the breakdown of amino acids?

Answer Explanation

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