/

Which structures secrete chemicals utilized for the completion of digestion within the small intestine?

A. liver and pancreas

B. glomerulus and villi

C. esophagus and alveoli

D. gallbladder and pharynx

Answer Explanation:

A) liver and pancreas

- Correct: The liver and pancreas both secrete chemicals that are utilized for the completion of digestion within the small intestine. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the emulsification and digestion of fats. The pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes (such as amylase, lipase, and proteases) into the small intestine to further break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into smaller molecules that can be absorbed.

B) glomerulus and villi

- Incorrect: The glomerulus is a part of the kidney involved in the filtration of blood, and villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption. While villi play a role in absorption within the small intestine, they do not secrete chemicals for digestion. The glomerulus is not involved in digestion.

C) esophagus and alveoli

- Incorrect: The esophagus is involved in swallowing and does not secrete chemicals for digestion. Alveoli are air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs during respiration and are not involved in digestion.

D) gallbladder and pharynx

- Incorrect: The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver but does not secrete chemicals directly into the small intestine. The pharynx is involved in swallowing and does not secrete chemicals for digestion.

 

Therefore, the Correct Answer is A.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: A branch of the nerve regulating the secretions of the stomach can be cut surgically. The decrease in hydrochloric acid secretion that would result from this procedure would be most helpful to an individual with

    A. diarrhea

    B. appendicitis

    C. gallstones

    D. ulcers

    Answer Explanation

    D) ulcers

    - Correct: The decrease in hydrochloric acid secretion resulting from the surgical cutting of a branch of the nerve regulating stomach secretions would be most helpful to an individual with ulcers. Ulcers are sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus due to factors such as infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or excessive alcohol consumption. Hydrochloric acid plays a significant role in the formation and exacerbation of ulcers by increasing the acidity of the stomach, which can irritate and erode the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, reducing hydrochloric acid secretion can help alleviate the symptoms and promote healing of ulcers.

    A) diarrhea

    - Incorrect: Decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion would not directly address the underlying causes of diarrhea, which may be related to infections, dietary issues, or other factors affecting gastrointestinal motility and water absorption.

    B) appendicitis

    - Incorrect: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch located near the junction of the small and large intestines. Decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion would not directly affect the development or treatment of appendicitis.

    C) gallstones

    - Incorrect: Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and can obstruct the flow of bile. Decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion would not directly address the formation or treatment of gallstones, as they are primarily composed of cholesterol or bilirubin, not affected by changes in stomach acid levels.

  • Q #2: In humans, structures that release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine include both the

    A. salivary glands and the pancreas

    B. gall bladder and the lacteals

    C. villi and the salivary glands

    D. pancreas and the gall bladder

    Answer Explanation

    D) pancreas and the gallbladder

    - Correct: Both the pancreas and the gallbladder release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine. The pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes (such as amylase, lipase, and proteases) into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to aid in the emulsification and digestion of fats.

    A) salivary glands and the pancreas

    - Incorrect: While the pancreas releases digestive secretions directly into the small intestine, the salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth, which contains enzymes (such as amylase) that begin the digestion of carbohydrates. Salivary glands do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.

    B) gall bladder and the lacteals

    - Incorrect: The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. Lacteals are lymphatic vessels found in the villi of the small intestine and are involved in the absorption of fats, but they do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.

    C) villi and the salivary glands

    - Incorrect: Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients but do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine. Salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth to initiate the digestion of carbohydrates but do not release digestive secretions directly into the small intestine.

  • Q #3: In some regions of the world, children suffer from a protein deficiency known as kwashiorkor. This deficiency occurs when a child's diet is changed from high-protein breast milk to watery cereal. Even though the child is receiving calories, the child becomes sick and less active, and growth ceases. These symptoms are probably due to

    A. too many nucleic acids in the diet

    B. an overconsumption of complete protein foods

    C. not enough carbohydrates in the diet

    D. a lack of essential amino acids in the diet

    Answer Explanation

    D) a lack of essential amino acids in the diet

    - Correct: Kwashiorkor is a form of severe acute malnutrition that occurs due to inadequate protein intake, particularly deficient in essential amino acids. When a child's diet is changed from high-protein breast milk to watery cereal, which is often low in protein and deficient in essential amino acids, the child may develop kwashiorkor despite receiving calories. Essential amino acids are necessary for proper growth, immune function, and overall health. Without an adequate supply of essential amino acids, the body cannot synthesize proteins required for various physiological processes, leading to symptoms such as stunted growth, lethargy, edema (swelling), and weakened immune function, which are characteristic of kwashiorkor.

    A) too many nucleic acids in the diet

    - Incorrect: Kwashiorkor is not caused by an excess of nucleic acids in the diet. Nucleic acids are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are not directly related to the development of kwashiorkor.

    B) an overconsumption of complete protein foods

    - Incorrect: Kwashiorkor results from a deficiency in protein intake, particularly inadequate consumption of essential amino acids, rather than an overconsumption of complete protein foods.

    C) not enough carbohydrates in the diet

    - Incorrect: While a diet lacking in carbohydrates can lead to energy deficiency, it does not directly cause the symptoms of kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is primarily associated with inadequate protein intake, not insufficient carbohydrate intake.