what is the main function of the digestive system
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Quizlet

1. What is the main function of the digestive system?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the digestive system is to break down food into nutrients through the process of digestion. Once the food is broken down, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the body for various functions. Choice B, regulating body temperature, is incorrect as it is the function of the body's thermoregulatory system, not the digestive system. Choice C, transporting nutrients, is incorrect as the digestive system primarily focuses on breaking down and absorbing nutrients rather than transporting them. Choice D, producing hormones, is also incorrect as hormone production is mainly carried out by endocrine glands and not the digestive system.

2. What is the main function of white blood cells?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, is to fight infections and foreign invaders to protect the body from harm. They play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and destroying pathogens like bacteria and viruses, essential for maintaining the body's health and overall immunity. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as carrying oxygen is primarily done by red blood cells, carrying nutrients is a function of various body systems, and removing waste products is mainly the role of the kidneys and liver, not white blood cells.

3. Through which organ do muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Esophagus. Muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis in the esophagus. Peristalsis is a coordinated muscular contraction that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. The rhythmic contractions of the esophageal muscles create a wave-like motion that propels food downward toward the stomach for digestion. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the mouth is where digestion begins but does not push food into the stomach, the small intestine is mainly responsible for absorbing nutrients, and the epiglottis is a flap that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing, not involved in pushing food into the stomach.

4. Which structure is part of both the male reproductive system and the urinary system?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The urethra is the correct answer because it is a tube that is part of both the male reproductive system and the urinary system. It allows urine to pass out of the body as part of the urinary system and also transports semen as part of the male reproductive system. The bladder (Choice A) is solely part of the urinary system, storing urine. The prostate (Choice C) is part of the male reproductive system, secreting fluids that nourish and protect sperm. The seminal vesicle (Choice D) is also part of the male reproductive system, producing seminal fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen.

5. What does the parathyroid hormone regulate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The parathyroid hormone primarily regulates calcium levels in the blood. It acts to increase calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bones, enhancing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and promoting the conversion of vitamin D to its active form, which aids in calcium absorption from the intestines. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the parathyroid hormone does not play a significant role in the regulation of magnesium (Choice A), calcitonin (Choice C), or glucocorticoids (Choice D).

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