where does most of the chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients occur

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test science

1. Where does most of the chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients occur?

A. Mouth
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for both chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. The lining of the small intestine is equipped with villi and microvilli, which significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver play crucial roles in further breaking down food into absorbable molecules that can pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. While the stomach assists in mechanical breakdown and initial protein digestion, it is not the main site of nutrient absorption. The large intestine, on the other hand, mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food particles. The mouth aids in initial mechanical breakdown and some carbohydrate digestion, but the majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, making it the correct answer.

2. Which of the following describes a typical gas?

A. Indefinite shape and indefinite volume
B. Indefinite shape and definite volume
C. Definite shape and definite volume
D. Definite shape and indefinite volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Indefinite shape and definite volume.' A gas does not have a definite shape as it takes the shape of its container, conforming to its surroundings. However, a gas does have a definite volume because it fills the entire volume of the container it occupies. This characteristic allows gases to expand to fill the available space provided by the container, while their volume remains constant within that container. Choice A is incorrect because gases do not have an indefinite volume but rather a definite volume. Choice C is incorrect as gases do not have a definite shape but take the shape of their container. Choice D is incorrect as gases do not have a definite shape and their volume is definite, not indefinite.

3. Which of the following is NOT a component of the genitourinary system?

A. The kidneys
B. The urethra
C. The rectum
D. The bladder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The rectum is part of the digestive system, not the genitourinary system. The genitourinary system comprises organs involved in reproduction and urine formation and excretion, such as the kidneys, urethra, and bladder. Choices A, B, and D are all components of the genitourinary system. The kidneys filter blood and produce urine, the urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, and the bladder stores urine before it is excreted.

4. Which plane divides the body into left and right halves?

A. Sagittal/Median Plane
B. Frontal/Coronal Plane
C. Transverse/Cross-Section Plane
D. Horizontal Plane

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sagittal/Median Plane. This plane divides the body into left and right halves. The Frontal/Coronal Plane (choice B) divides the body into front and back, while the Transverse/Cross-Section Plane (choice C) divides it into top and bottom. The Horizontal Plane (choice D) divides the body into upper and lower portions. Understanding these planes is essential in anatomy as they help describe the orientation and relationships of body structures.

5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A. Synthesis of lipids (fats)
B. Transport of materials within the cell
C. Detoxification of harmful substances
D. Breakdown of cellular waste products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is not involved in the breakdown of cellular waste products; this function is primarily carried out by lysosomes. The ER is responsible for the synthesis of lipids (fats), transport of materials within the cell, and detoxification of harmful substances. Lysosomes are the organelles responsible for breaking down cellular waste products through processes like autophagy. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it does not align with the known functions of the endoplasmic reticulum.