which part of the digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

1. Which part of the digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the correct answer because it is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It contains specialized structures such as villi and microvilli that maximize the absorption of nutrients from digested food. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach; the stomach primarily aids in digestion by secreting enzymes and acids; and the large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter. Therefore, the small intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing essential nutrients for the body's functions, making it the correct choice in this context.

2. Which of the following organs is part of the central nervous system?

A. Heart
B. Brain
C. Liver
D. Lungs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Brain. The brain is a vital organ that is part of the central nervous system, along with the spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in processing information, controlling body functions, and coordinating responses to stimuli. The heart, liver, and lungs are not part of the central nervous system; they belong to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, respectively. The heart is part of the cardiovascular system, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The liver is part of the digestive system, involved in processes like detoxification and metabolism. The lungs are part of the respiratory system, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during breathing.

3. Which of the following hormones is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels?

A. Insulin
B. Adrenaline
C. Cortisol
D. Melatonin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Insulin helps lower blood sugar levels by promoting the storage of glucose in the liver, muscle, and fat cells. Adrenaline, cortisol, and melatonin do not directly regulate blood sugar levels. Adrenaline is involved in the fight-or-flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone that affects metabolism, immune response, and anti-inflammatory actions, while melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles.

4. What is the coefficient of oxygen in the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane (CH₄)?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane, CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O, the coefficient of oxygen (O₂) is 2. This indicates that two molecules of oxygen are required to react with one molecule of methane to produce carbon dioxide and water, ensuring the equation is balanced. Choice A is incorrect because the coefficient of oxygen is not 1 but 2. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct coefficient of oxygen in the balanced equation. Understanding the coefficients in a balanced chemical equation is crucial for accurately representing the stoichiometry of the reaction.

5. Which factor most significantly affects the kinetic energy of an object?

A. The object's mass
B. The object's velocity
C. The object's displacement
D. The object's potential energy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of an object's velocity. This means that changes in velocity have a greater impact on the kinetic energy of an object compared to changes in mass, displacement, or potential energy. The mass of an object affects its kinetic energy, but the effect is linear, not squared like velocity. Displacement does not directly affect kinetic energy, as it is a measure of the change in position, not related to motion. Potential energy is a different form of energy and is not directly related to the kinetic energy of an object. Therefore, the velocity of an object has the most significant effect on its kinetic energy.