what is the primary function of the small intestine

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 Science

1. What is the primary function of the small intestine?

A. To absorb water
B. To absorb nutrients
C. To store waste
D. To produce enzymes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "To absorb nutrients." The small intestine's primary function is to absorb nutrients from digested food. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for the body's functions and energy production. Choice A, "To absorb water," is incorrect because the absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine. Choice C, "To store waste," is incorrect as waste is stored in the large intestine before elimination. Choice D, "To produce enzymes," is incorrect because while the small intestine does receive enzymes from other organs to aid in digestion, its primary role is not enzyme production.

2. Which sexually transmitted infection (STI) can potentially cause infertility in both men and women if left untreated?

A. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
B. Chlamydia
C. Gonorrhea
D. Syphilis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chlamydia is the correct answer because if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can cause infertility. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that often presents with no symptoms, making it important for individuals to get tested regularly, especially if they are sexually active. It is crucial to detect and treat Chlamydia early to prevent long-term consequences such as infertility. Human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to genital warts and certain types of cancer but is not typically associated with infertility. Gonorrhea and syphilis can cause serious health problems if untreated, but infertility is more commonly associated with Chlamydia.

3. The fossil record shows that dinosaurs with feathers existed millions of years before birds. This is evidence for

A. Convergent evolution (unrelated organisms evolving similar traits)
B. Divergent evolution (related organisms evolving different traits)
C. Coevolution (two species influencing each other's evolution)
D. The extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The fossil record indicates that dinosaurs had feathers before birds, suggesting convergent evolution. Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits to adapt to similar environmental pressures. In this case, both dinosaurs and birds developed feathers for flight or insulation purposes, even though they are not closely related. This evidence supports the concept of convergent evolution rather than divergent evolution, coevolution, or the extinction of dinosaurs due to an asteroid impact. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it best explains the scenario where dinosaurs with feathers existed before birds, showcasing the concept of unrelated organisms evolving similar traits independently.

4. What is the purpose of sodium bicarbonate when released into the lumen of the small intestine?

A. It works to chemically digest fats in the chyme.
B. It decreases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.
C. It works to chemically digest proteins in the chyme.
D. It increases the pH of the chyme to prevent harm to the intestine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sodium bicarbonate, when released into the lumen of the small intestine, functions to increase the pH of the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This increase in pH helps neutralize the acidity of the chyme, creating a more optimal environment for the digestive enzymes in the small intestine to function properly. Maintaining a slightly basic pH in the small intestine is crucial for overall digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate does not chemically digest fats or proteins in the chyme, and it does not decrease the pH of the chyme as it actually increases the pH to prevent harm to the intestine.

5. Which of the following is NOT a property of a catalyst?

A. Increases the rate of a reaction
B. Remains unchanged after the reaction
C. Lowers the activation energy
D. Creates new products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It remains unchanged after the reaction, which eliminates option B. A catalyst works by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, which eliminates option C. A catalyst does not create new products in a reaction; it only facilitates the conversion of reactants into products more efficiently. Therefore, option D is NOT a property of a catalyst.