Digestive Organs - Mouth-Esophagus-Stomach

What is the primary function of the teeth in digestion?

• Breaking down fats

• Grinding and chewing food

• Absorbing nutrients

• Producing stomach acid

Answer explanation

The primary function of teeth in digestion is grinding and chewing food. This mechanical breakdown increases the surface area of food, making it easier for enzymes to digest nutrients in the stomach and intestines.

Which enzyme in saliva helps break down carbohydrates?

• Pepsin

• Lipase

• Amylase

• Trypsin

Answer explanation

Amylase is the enzyme in saliva that initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates into simpler sugars, aiding in digestion. Pepsin and trypsin are involved in protein digestion, while lipase breaks down fats.

What is the function of the tongue in digestion?

• To absorb nutrients

• To push food toward the esophagus

• To produce digestive enzymes

• To break down proteins

Answer explanation

The tongue's primary function in digestion is to push food toward the esophagus, facilitating swallowing. It does not absorb nutrients, produce enzymes, or break down proteins.

What do incisors help with?

• Grinding food

• Cutting food

• Chewing food

• Absorbing nutrients

Answer explanation

Incisors are the front teeth designed specifically for cutting food. They have a sharp edge that allows them to slice through food items, making them essential for the initial stage of eating.

Which type of teeth are used for grinding food?

• Incisors

• Canines

• Molars

• Premolars

Answer explanation

Molars are the teeth specifically designed for grinding food due to their large, flat surfaces. They help break down food into smaller pieces, making it easier to swallow and digest.

Where does digestion begin?

• Stomach

• Small intestine

• Mouth

• Large intestine

Answer explanation

Digestion begins in the mouth, where food is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva, which contains enzymes that start the chemical digestion process.

What is the role of saliva in digestion?

• It absorbs nutrients

• It adds stomach acid to food

• It moistens food and begins carbohydrate digestion

• It stores food

Answer explanation

Saliva plays a crucial role in digestion by moistening food, making it easier to chew and swallow. It also contains enzymes like amylase that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates, initiating the digestive process.

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

• Esophagus

• Trachea

• Small intestine

• Large intestine

Answer explanation

The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, allowing food to pass through. The trachea is for air, while the small and large intestines are part of the digestive system but do not connect the mouth directly to the stomach.

What is the soft mass of chewed food mixed with saliva called?

• Bolus

• Chyme

• Bile

• Enzyme

Answer explanation

The soft mass of chewed food mixed with saliva is called a bolus. It is formed during the process of chewing, making it easier to swallow. Chyme refers to the mixture in the stomach, while bile and enzymes are related to digestion but not the chewed food.

How does food move from the mouth to the stomach?

• Gravity

• Chewing

• Peristalsis

• Absorption

Answer explanation

Food moves from the mouth to the stomach primarily through peristalsis, which is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that push food down the esophagus. Chewing aids in breaking down food, but peristalsis is the key mechanism.