what is the role of the pancreas in the digestive system

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS 7 Science

1. What is the role of the pancreas in the digestive system?

A. To store bile
B. To secrete digestive enzymes
C. To digest proteins
D. To absorb nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To secrete digestive enzymes.' The pancreas plays a crucial role in the digestive system by secreting digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, facilitating the absorption of nutrients from the digested food. Choice A is incorrect because the pancreas is not responsible for storing bile; the gallbladder stores bile. Choice C is incorrect because the pancreas secretes enzymes for protein digestion but does not digest proteins itself. Choice D is incorrect as the absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine, not in the pancreas.

2. The transfer of energy through feeding relationships in an ecosystem is called a:

A. Food Chain
B. Food Web
C. Habitat
D. Biome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where each organism consumes the one below it and is consumed by the one above it. This transfer of energy through feeding relationships is a fundamental concept in ecology to understand how energy flows through an ecosystem. In a food chain, energy is transferred from producers (plants) to primary consumers (herbivores), then to secondary consumers (carnivores), and so on. Each step in the food chain represents a trophic level, and energy is lost as heat at each level, resulting in a pyramid-shaped energy flow. Food webs, on the other hand, represent a more complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem. Habitats refer to the specific environments where organisms live, and biomes are large geographical areas characterized by specific climates and vegetation types. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Food Chain' as it specifically describes the linear transfer of energy through feeding relationships in an ecosystem.

3. Which vitamin deficiency can lead to a condition called pernicious anemia, affecting vitamin B12 absorption in the digestive system?

A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Pernicious anemia occurs when there is a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the digestive system. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E deficiencies do not lead to pernicious anemia. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and skin issues, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets or osteomalacia, and Vitamin E deficiency can result in neurological problems and muscle weakness.

4. Which of the following statements is FALSE?

A. An organelle is a specialized structure in a cell, such as a ribosome.
B. An organ is made up of different types of tissues that work together to perform specific functions.
C. Organ systems are two or more organs performing similar functions.
D. A tissue contains a variety of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The statement provided in Option B is FALSE. Organs are actually made up of different types of tissues that work together to perform specific functions, rather than being composed of similar tissues. Organs consist of various tissues, each with their own specialized functions that collectively contribute to the overall function of the organ. Options A, C, and D are true statements. Option A correctly defines an organelle as a specialized structure in a cell, like a ribosome. Option C accurately describes organ systems as multiple organs working together to perform related functions. Option D correctly explains that a tissue is composed of different cells working together to carry out a specific function.

5. The body's first line of defense against pathogens is the innate immune system. Which of the following is NOT a component of the innate immune system?

A. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes
B. Phagocytes that engulf and destroy pathogens
C. Inflammatory response to isolate and contain infection
D. Production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The production of antibodies specific to a particular pathogen is a function of the adaptive immune system, not the innate immune system. The innate immune system provides immediate, non-specific defense mechanisms against pathogens, including physical barriers, phagocytes, and inflammatory responses. Choices A, B, and C are all correct components of the innate immune system. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes act as the first line of defense, preventing pathogens from entering the body. Phagocytes are specialized cells that engulf and destroy pathogens, while the inflammatory response helps isolate and contain infections to prevent their spread.