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Which of these statements about bile is true?

A. About 500 mL is secreted daily.

B. Its main function is the denaturation of proteins.

C. It is synthesized in the gallbladder.

D. Bile salts are recycled.

Answer Explanation:

d) Bile salts are recycled.

- Correct: Bile salts are recycled in the enterohepatic circulation. After aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine, bile salts are reabsorbed in the terminal ileum and transported back to the liver via the portal vein. Once in the liver, they are re-secreted into bile, allowing for their reuse in subsequent digestive processes. This recycling of bile salts is an important mechanism for conserving these critical components of bile.

a) About 500 mL is secreted daily.

- Incorrect: The daily secretion of bile by the liver is approximately 600-1000 mL, not 500 mL. Bile is continuously produced by hepatocytes (liver cells) and stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until it is released into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.

b) Its main function is the denaturation of proteins.

- Incorrect: The main function of bile is not the denaturation of proteins. Bile aids in the emulsification and digestion of fats by breaking them down into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for the action of pancreatic lipase and facilitating the absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins.

c) It is synthesized in the gallbladder.

- Incorrect: Bile is not synthesized in the gallbladder. It is produced by hepatocytes (liver cells) in the liver and then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until needed for digestion.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Which of these organs is not considered an accessory digestive structure?

    A. mouth

    B. salivary glands

    C. pancreas

    D. liver

    Answer Explanation

    a) mouth

    - Correct: The mouth is not considered an accessory digestive structure; it is an integral part of the alimentary canal (digestive tract). The mouth is where the process of digestion begins, as food is ingested, chewed, and mixed with saliva. Saliva, produced by the salivary glands, contains enzymes (such as amylase) that initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates. Once food is sufficiently broken down in the mouth, it is formed into a bolus and swallowed, entering the esophagus and continuing its journey through the digestive system.

    b) salivary glands

    - Incorrect: Salivary glands are accessory digestive structures that secrete saliva into the mouth. Saliva contains enzymes and lubricants that aid in the mechanical and chemical digestion of food.

    c) pancreas

    - Incorrect: The pancreas is an accessory digestive structure that plays a crucial role in digestion by producing and secreting digestive enzymes into the small intestine. These enzymes aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

    d) liver

    - Incorrect: The liver is also an accessory digestive structure that contributes to digestion by producing bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the emulsification and digestion of fats. Additionally, the liver plays a role in processing nutrients absorbed from the small intestine and regulating glucose metabolism.

  • Q #2: These move food through the digestive system:

    A. digestive fluids

    B. enzymes

    C. mucous membranes

    D. smooth muscles

    Answer Explanation

    d. smooth muscles

    - Correct: Smooth muscles are responsible for moving food through the digestive system via a process called peristalsis. Peristalsis involves rhythmic contractions and relaxations of the smooth muscle layers in the walls of the digestive organs, such as the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. These coordinated muscle movements propel food forward along the digestive tract, allowing for mechanical digestion, mixing with digestive fluids, and absorption of nutrients.

    a. digestive fluids

    - Incorrect: Digestive fluids, such as saliva, gastric juice, bile, and pancreatic enzymes, play crucial roles in the digestion and breakdown of food into smaller molecules. However, they do not directly move food through the digestive system.

    b. enzymes

    - Incorrect: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions involved in the breakdown of food molecules into smaller, absorbable components. While enzymes aid in digestion, they do not themselves move food through the digestive system.

    c. mucous membranes

    - Incorrect: Mucous membranes line the inner surfaces of the digestive tract and secrete mucus, which lubricates and protects the epithelial cells from mechanical damage and chemical irritation. While mucous membranes are important for maintaining the health of the digestive tract, they do not actively move food through the digestive system.

  • Q #3: 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.