Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary role of the small intestine in nutrient absorption?

• A. To break down food
• B. To absorb nutrients
• C. To secrete digestive enzymes
• D. To store glucose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To absorb nutrients.' The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in absorbing nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream, facilitating the delivery of essential nutrients to the body for various functions and processes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while the small intestine does contribute to the breakdown of food and does secrete digestive enzymes, its primary function is to absorb nutrients, not to store glucose.

2. What substance makes up the pads that provide support between the vertebrae?

• A. bone
• B. cartilage
• C. tendon
• D. fat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is the correct answer as it is the substance that makes up the pads between the vertebrae. Cartilage provides cushioning and support between the bones of the spine, allowing for flexibility and preventing friction between the vertebrae. Bone (choice A) is incorrect as it forms the structure of the vertebrae, not the intervertebral discs. Tendon (choice C) is incorrect as it connects muscle to bone and is not found between the vertebrae. Fat (choice D) is incorrect as it is not the substance that makes up the pads between the vertebrae.

3. Which cellular structure is responsible for protein synthesis?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Ribosome
• C. Endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ribosome. Ribosomes, the cellular structures located in the cytoplasm or on the endoplasmic reticulum, are responsible for protein synthesis in the cell. They are the sites where mRNA is translated into proteins, making them essential for the synthesis of proteins in all living cells. The other choices, such as the nucleus (choice A), endoplasmic reticulum (choice C), and Golgi apparatus (choice D), are not directly involved in protein synthesis. The nucleus contains DNA and is responsible for housing the genetic material, the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein folding and transport, and the Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins.

4. What is the primary function of the pancreas in digestion?

• A. To absorb nutrients
• B. To secrete digestive enzymes
• C. To produce bile
• D. To store glucose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To secrete digestive enzymes. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the process of breaking down food particles into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by the body for nutrients. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the primary function of the pancreas is not to absorb nutrients, produce bile, or store glucose in digestion.

5. Where does digestion begin in the digestive system?

• A. Stomach
• B. Mouth
• C. Small intestine
• D. Esophagus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Digestion begins in the mouth. Mechanical digestion through chewing and chemical digestion through saliva initiate the breakdown of food. Enzymes in saliva start breaking down carbohydrates, marking the beginning of the digestive process. The stomach primarily functions in further breaking down food and mixing it with gastric juices. The small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occur. The esophagus is a muscular tube that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach, but digestion does not begin there.

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