what is the role of the small intestine in the digestive system
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023

1. What is the primary function of the small intestine in the digestive system?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To absorb nutrients. The small intestine's main role in the digestive system is to absorb nutrients from digested food. It has specialized structures, such as villi and microvilli, that increase its surface area for efficient absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Choice A is incorrect because the small intestine does not primarily secrete digestive enzymes; that role is mainly carried out by the pancreas and other digestive organs. Choice C is incorrect because the small intestine primarily absorbs nutrients rather than breaking down food. Choice D is incorrect because the absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine, not the small intestine.

2. What is the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To transport oxygen.' Hemoglobin in red blood cells plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen. It binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to the body's tissues and organs for cellular respiration. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hemoglobin's primary function is to bind and transport oxygen, not to fight infections, carry carbon dioxide, or store oxygen.

3. Which of the following organs is involved in the immune system?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The appendix is involved in the immune system as it is believed to play a role in maintaining and protecting beneficial gut bacteria, especially after gastrointestinal illnesses. This helps in restoring the balance of intestinal bacteria crucial for immune function. The heart (Choice A), bronchi (Choice B), and esophagus (Choice D) are not directly involved in the immune system's functions. The heart pumps blood, the bronchi are part of the respiratory system, and the esophagus is responsible for transporting food to the stomach.

4. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in controlling vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as the control center for automatic functions necessary for survival, making it the correct choice in this scenario. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, so it does not control basic physiological functions like breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, while the hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but not specifically breathing and heart rate.

5. A tissue examined under the microscope exhibits the following characteristics: cells found on the internal surface of the stomach, no extracellular matrix, cells tall and thin, no blood vessels in the tissue. What type of tissue is this?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Epithelial.' Epithelial tissue is characterized by cells lining surfaces and cavities, such as the stomach. It does not contain blood vessels, and the cells are tall and thin. The absence of an extracellular matrix is typical of epithelial tissue, making it the most suitable choice in this scenario. Connective tissue, like cartilage and nervous tissue, have different characteristics that do not align with the description provided in the question.

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