Nursing Elites

1. Mucus is produced by the salivary glands and the:

• A. intestinal glands.
• B. esophageal glands.
• C. pineal gland.
• D. islets of Langerhans.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mucus is produced by the salivary glands to moisten food and aid in swallowing. Additionally, the intestinal glands secrete mucus to protect the lining of the intestines. The other choices, esophageal glands, pineal gland, and islets of Langerhans, are not involved in the production of mucus in the digestive system.

2. What is the term for the action of biting, chewing, and breaking up ingested food into smaller particles?

• A. Peristalsis.
• B. Segmentation.
• C. Metabolism.
• D. Mastication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Mastication.' Mastication is the mechanical process of chewing that breaks down food into smaller particles. Peristalsis (choice A) is the involuntary constriction and relaxation of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract that moves food along. Segmentation (choice B) is the mixing movement of the digestive system that helps to break down food and mix it with digestive juices. Metabolism (choice C) refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

3. How many different amino acids make up human proteins?

• A. 9
• B. 13
• C. 15
• D. 20

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 20. There are 20 different amino acids that combine to form proteins in the human body. Each amino acid has a unique side chain that determines its properties. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not represent the total number of different amino acids found in human proteins.

4. How can cholesterol absorption be decreased?

• A. Vitamin K.
• B. Plant sterols.
• C. Trans fats.
• D. Phospholipids.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Plant sterols. Plant sterols can reduce cholesterol absorption by competing with cholesterol for absorption sites. Vitamin K, choice A, does not have a significant impact on cholesterol absorption. Trans fats, choice C, are known to increase cholesterol levels rather than decrease absorption. Phospholipids, choice D, play a role in cell structure and are not directly involved in reducing cholesterol absorption.

5. Which hormone stimulates the gallbladder to contract?

• A. Secretin.
• B. Cholecystokinin (CCK).
• C. Gastrin.
• D. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the hormone responsible for stimulating the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the small intestine. Secretin primarily acts on the pancreas to stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate-rich fluid. Gastrin functions in the stimulation of gastric acid secretion, while Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) plays a role in inhibiting gastric acid secretion and stimulating insulin release.

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