what is the role of the small intestine in digestion
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HESI A2

Quizlet HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absorbing nutrients. The small intestine plays a crucial role in digestion by absorbing nutrients. It is where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs, allowing digested food to pass into the bloodstream for distribution to the body's cells. Choice A (Breaking down fats) is incorrect because the breakdown of fats primarily occurs in the small intestine with the help of bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas. Choice C (Secreting digestive enzymes) is incorrect because while the small intestine does produce some digestive enzymes, its primary role is absorption. Choice D (Storing bile) is incorrect as the storage of bile occurs in the gallbladder, not the small intestine.

2. What is the primary function of the alveoli in the lungs?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the alveoli in the lungs is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for this gas exchange during breathing. Oxygen diffuses from the inhaled air into the blood in the capillaries surrounding the alveoli, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled out of the body. Choice A is incorrect because the alveoli primarily facilitate the exchange of gases, not just the removal of carbon dioxide. Choice C is incorrect as the alveoli do not transport oxygen to the bloodstream but rather facilitate the exchange of gases. Choice D is incorrect as the alveoli are not involved in filtering blood but in gas exchange to ensure proper oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide in the respiratory process.

3. What does the parathyroid hormone regulate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The parathyroid hormone primarily regulates calcium levels in the blood. It acts to increase calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bones, enhancing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and promoting the conversion of vitamin D to its active form, which aids in calcium absorption from the intestines. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the parathyroid hormone does not play a significant role in the regulation of magnesium (Choice A), calcitonin (Choice C), or glucocorticoids (Choice D).

4. What is the role of the spleen in the immune system?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The spleen plays a crucial role in the immune system by filtering blood, specifically removing old or damaged red blood cells. It also stores lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help fight infections. While the spleen does not produce white blood cells or antibodies, its main functions lie in blood filtration and storage of immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B is incorrect because the spleen does not produce white blood cells. Choice C is incorrect as the spleen stores lymphocytes but does not primarily function to do so. Choice D is incorrect because the spleen does not produce antibodies.

5. What is the main function of the immune system?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the immune system is to protect the body from infections by identifying and destroying pathogens like bacteria and viruses. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and preventing illnesses. Choice A is incorrect because hormone production is primarily handled by the endocrine system, not the immune system. Choice C is incorrect as waste removal is mainly performed by the excretory system, not the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as regulating body temperature is primarily the role of the thermoregulatory system, not the immune system.

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