Nursing Elites

1. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. What enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Trypsin is the correct enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids. It is produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine to facilitate protein digestion. Pepsin is an enzyme from the stomach that also breaks down proteins, amylase targets carbohydrates, and lipase works on fats. In this context, since the question specifies the pancreas and small intestine, the correct answer is Trypsin as it is the pancreatic enzyme responsible for protein breakdown in the small intestine.

2. What are the white blood cells responsible for coordinating the immune response called?

• A. Red blood cells
• B. Platelets
• C. Lymphocytes
• D. Neutrophils

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lymphocytes, which include B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, are responsible for coordinating the immune response. They play a crucial role in recognizing and fighting against pathogens and foreign substances in the body. Red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport, platelets aid in blood clotting, and neutrophils are white blood cells primarily involved in combating infections. Therefore, the correct answer is C, lymphocytes, as they are specifically involved in coordinating immune responses.

3. What are the finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine called?

• A. Crypts of Lieberkühn
• B. Goblet cells
• C. Villi
• D. Paneth cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Crypts of Lieberkühn are small pits in the lining of the small intestine that contain cells involved in the production of intestinal juices, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption. B) Goblet cells are specialized cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining of the digestive tract, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption. C) Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains blood vessels and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that help absorb nutrients from digested food. D) Paneth cells are specialized cells found in the small intestine that secrete antimicrobial substances, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption.

4. Which part of the digestive system is primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients?

• A. Stomach
• B. Small intestine
• C. Esophagus
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It is lined with specialized cells that facilitate the absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body. While the stomach plays a role in digestion by breaking down food with acid and enzymes, the actual absorption of nutrients occurs mainly in the small intestine. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach, but it does not absorb nutrients. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, not nutrients.

5. Which of the following biological macromolecules is non-soluble, composed of hydrocarbons, and acts as an important source of energy storage for the body?

• A. carbohydrates
• B. nucleic acids
• C. lipids
• D. proteins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lipids are non-soluble biological macromolecules composed mostly of hydrocarbons such as fatty acids. They act as an essential source of energy storage for the body, providing efficient storage of energy in the form of fats. Carbohydrates are also an energy source for the body, but lipids excel in long-term energy storage. Nucleic acids are not known for energy storage; instead, they are involved in genetic information transmission and protein synthesis. Proteins play diverse roles in the body, such as enzymatic functions, structural support, and immune response, but they are not primarily known as a source of energy storage.

Similar Questions