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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: Hardened deposits of cholesterol that accumulate in the structure that stores bile are known as

    A. gallstones

    B. ulcers

    C. goiters

    D. allergies

    Answer Explanation

    A) gallstones

    - Correct: Hardened deposits of cholesterol that accumulate in the structure that stores bile, which is the gallbladder, are known as gallstones. Gallstones can also contain other substances, such as bilirubin or calcium salts, in addition to cholesterol. These stones can vary in size and may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice. In severe cases, gallstones may require medical intervention, including surgery, to remove them.

    B) ulcers

    - Incorrect: Ulcers are sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the digestive tract, commonly in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). They are not related to hardened deposits of cholesterol in the gallbladder.

    C) goiters

    - Incorrect: Goiters are abnormal enlargements of the thyroid gland in the neck. They can be caused by iodine deficiency, thyroid disorders, or other factors, but they are not related to gallstones.

    D) allergies

    - Incorrect: Allergies are immune responses to specific substances (allergens) that the body perceives as harmful, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or anaphylaxis. They are not related to hardened deposits of cholesterol in the gallbladder.

  • Q #2: The absorptive surface of the small intestine is greater than that of other human digestive organs because of its length and the presence of

    A. alveoli

    B. neurons

    C. villi

    D. nephrons

    Answer Explanation

    C) villi

    - Correct: The absorptive surface of the small intestine is greatly increased due to the presence of villi. Villi are finger-like projections that line the inner surface of the small intestine. These structures greatly increase the surface area available for absorption. Each villus contains capillaries and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that absorb nutrients from digested food. The large surface area provided by the villi allows for more efficient absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

    A) alveoli

    - Incorrect: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs during respiration. They are not found in the digestive system and do not contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

    B) neurons

    - Incorrect: Neurons are nerve cells that transmit signals throughout the body, including the digestive system. While neurons play a role in regulating digestion and other digestive processes, they do not directly contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

    D) nephrons

    - Incorrect: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. They are not part of the digestive system and do not contribute to the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

  • Q #3: After food enters the small intestine, lipases, proteases, and amylases are secreted into the small intestine by the

    A. liver

    B. gallbladder

    C. salivary glands

    D. pancreas

    Answer Explanation

    D) pancreas

    - Correct: After food enters the small intestine, lipases (for fat digestion), proteases (for protein digestion), and amylases (for carbohydrate digestion) are secreted into the small intestine by the pancreas. These digestive enzymes are produced by the pancreas and released into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas plays a crucial role in providing these enzymes to aid in the breakdown of macronutrients (fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the intestinal lining.

    A) liver

    - Incorrect: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the emulsification of fats. While bile is important for fat digestion, it does not contain lipases, proteases, or amylases.

    B) gallbladder

    - Incorrect: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, but it does not secrete lipases, proteases, or amylases. Bile aids in the emulsification of fats but does not contain digestive enzymes.

    C) salivary glands

    - Incorrect: Salivary glands secrete saliva into the mouth, which contains amylase, an enzyme that begins the digestion of carbohydrates. However, after food enters the small intestine, digestive enzymes are primarily secreted by the pancreas, not the salivary glands.