L2 Gym - Digestive system

What is the primary function of the digestive system?

• To produce hormones

• To intake, breakdown, use, and remove food and drink

• To circulate blood

• To store fat

Answer explanation

The primary function of the digestive system is to intake, breakdown, use, and remove food and drink, making this choice the correct answer. Other options do not accurately describe the main role of the digestive system.

Which stage of the digestive system involves the breakdown of food through mechanical and chemical processes?

• Ingestion

• Digestion

• Absorption

• Elimination

Answer explanation

The digestion stage involves the breakdown of food through both mechanical processes (like chewing) and chemical processes (like enzyme action), making it the correct choice for this question.

What is the role of the oesophagus in the digestive system?

• To absorb nutrients

• To carry food from the mouth to the stomach

• To release enzymes

• To store waste

Answer explanation

The oesophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. It does not absorb nutrients, release enzymes, or store waste, making 'to carry food from the mouth to the stomach' the correct role.

How long can food's journey through the alimentary canal take?

• 6 hours

• 12 hours

• 24 hours

• 48 hours

Answer explanation

Food typically takes about 24 hours to travel through the alimentary canal, allowing for digestion and absorption of nutrients. This duration can vary based on individual factors, but 24 hours is a common estimate.

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

• Absorb nutrients from digested food.

• Absorb water and vitamins from food residue.

• Break down proteins into amino acids.

• Produce digestive enzymes.

Answer explanation

The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water and vitamins from food residue, which helps in forming solid waste. The other options relate to functions of different parts of the digestive system.

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates?

• Lipase

• Pepsin

• Amylase

• Peptidase

Answer explanation

Amylase is the enzyme specifically responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. Lipase breaks down fats, pepsin digests proteins, and peptidase further breaks down peptides, making amylase the correct choice.

What are fats broken down into during digestion?

• Glycogen and glucose

• Peptide chains and amino acids

• Fatty acids and glycerol

• Vitamins and minerals

Answer explanation

During digestion, fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. This process allows the body to utilize these components for energy and other functions, making 'fatty acids and glycerol' the correct answer.

What is the role of dietary fire in maintaining gut function?

• It breaks down proteins into amino acids.

• It helps in the absorption of vitamins.

• It ensures the smooth and speedy passing of waste.

• It produces digestive enzymes.

Answer explanation

Dietary fire plays a crucial role in gut function by ensuring the smooth and speedy passing of waste, which is essential for maintaining digestive health and preventing constipation.

How much fibre is recommended for an average adult per day?

• 10g

• 20g

• 30g

• 40g

Answer explanation

The recommended daily fiber intake for an average adult is 30g. This amount helps maintain digestive health and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

What is one of the roles of the liver in digestion?

• Secreting digestive juices

• Bile secretion for fat breakdown

• Absorbing nutrients in the small intestine

• Producing insulin

Answer explanation

One of the liver's key roles in digestion is bile secretion, which is essential for the breakdown of fats in the small intestine. This process aids in the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats.