Quiz 6 Digestive System

What is the primary function of the digestive system?

• To circulate blood

• To break down food and absorb nutrients

• To regulate body temperature

• To provide oxygen

Answer explanation

The primary function of the digestive system is to break down food and absorb nutrients, which is essential for providing energy and maintaining bodily functions.

Which organ is primarily responsible for the absorption of nutrients?

• Stomach

• Small intestine

• Large intestine

• Liver

Answer explanation

The small intestine is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption. It has a large surface area due to villi and microvilli, which facilitate the uptake of nutrients from digested food, unlike the stomach or large intestine.

What substance is produced by the liver to aid in fat digestion?

• Amylase

• Bile

• Insulin

• Pepsin

Answer explanation

Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps emulsify fats, making them easier to digest and absorb in the intestines, which is essential for fat digestion.

Which part of the digestive system is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food?

• Esophagus

• Stomach

• Small intestine

• Pancreas

Answer explanation

The stomach is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food through churning and digestive juices. The small intestine continues this process, absorbing nutrients. Thus, both the stomach and small intestine are key in digestion.

What role does saliva play in digestion?

• It absorbs nutrients

• It breaks down proteins

• It lubricates food for easier swallowing

• It produces bile

Answer explanation

Saliva plays a crucial role in digestion by lubricating food, making it easier to swallow. It does not absorb nutrients, break down proteins, or produce bile.

What is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach?

• Trachea

• Esophagus

• Duodenum

• Rectum

Answer explanation

The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, allowing food to pass through. The trachea is for air, the duodenum is part of the small intestine, and the rectum is part of the digestive tract, not the connection to the stomach.

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down starches into sugars?

• Lipase

• Amylase

• Pepsin

• Trypsin

Answer explanation

Amylase is the enzyme that specifically breaks down starches into sugars. It is found in saliva and the pancreas, playing a crucial role in carbohydrate digestion.

What is the primary purpose of the large intestine?

• To digest proteins

• To absorb water and form waste

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of the large intestine is to absorb water and form waste. It plays a crucial role in consolidating waste material and maintaining hydration, unlike the stomach, which digests proteins.

How does the pancreas contribute to digestion?

• It produces bile

• It absorbs nutrients

• It secretes digestive enzymes

• It filters waste

Answer explanation

The pancreas contributes to digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the small intestine, facilitating nutrient absorption.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-7

Which organ stores bile produced by the liver?

• Stomach

• Gallbladder

• Pancreas

• Small intestine

Answer explanation

The gallbladder is the organ responsible for storing bile produced by the liver. Bile aids in digestion, particularly in the emulsification of fats, and is released into the small intestine when needed.