which part of the digestive system is primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

1. 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.

2. Which condition is characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach?

A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
B. Diverticulitis
C. Ulcerative colitis
D. Gastritis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gastritis is the correct answer as it is characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. This inflammation can be caused by various factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infections, or autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of gastritis may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is incorrect because it involves the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, not inflammation of the stomach lining. Diverticulitis refers to inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the walls of the colon, not the stomach. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, not the stomach lining.

3. Which types of glial cells are found in the CNS?

A. Schwann cells, satellite cells
B. Astrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, oligodendrocytes
C. Satellite cells, microglia, oligodendrocytes
D. Astrocytes, Schwann cells, satellite cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Glial cells in the CNS include astrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, and oligodendrocytes. Schwann cells and satellite cells are found in the PNS. Astrocytes are the most abundant type of glial cells and are involved in nutrient support, repair, and maintenance of the extracellular environment. Microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS, playing a role in immune defense. Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, contributing to the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing myelin, which insulates axons in the CNS. Understanding the specific functions of each type of glial cell is essential in grasping the complexity of the central nervous system's support and protective mechanisms.

4. What is the building block of RNA?

A. Amino acid
B. Nucleotide
C. Protein
D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nucleotide: Nucleotides are the building blocks of RNA. A nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or uracil in RNA), a sugar (ribose in RNA), and a phosphate group. A) Amino acid: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not RNA. C) Protein: Proteins are made up of amino acids, not nucleotides. D) Fatty acid: Fatty acids are components of lipids, not RNA.

5. An atom has 5 protons, 5 neutrons, and 6 electrons. What is the electric charge of this atom?

A. Neutral
B. Positive
C. Negative
D. Undetermined

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Negative.' An atom becomes negatively charged when it has more electrons than protons. In this case, the atom has 6 electrons and 5 protons, resulting in a net negative charge. Choice A 'Neutral' is incorrect because the atom is not balanced in terms of protons and electrons. Choice B 'Positive' is incorrect because having more electrons than protons results in a negative charge. Choice D 'Undetermined' is incorrect, as the charge can be determined based on the relative number of protons and electrons.