where does most of the chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients occur

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test science

1. Where does most of the chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients occur?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for both chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. The lining of the small intestine is equipped with villi and microvilli, which significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver play crucial roles in further breaking down food into absorbable molecules that can pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. While the stomach assists in mechanical breakdown and initial protein digestion, it is not the main site of nutrient absorption. The large intestine, on the other hand, mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food particles. The mouth aids in initial mechanical breakdown and some carbohydrate digestion, but the majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, making it the correct answer.

2. Which organ stores and concentrates bile?

A. Liver
B. Gallbladder
C. Pancreas
D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gallbladder. The gallbladder is the organ that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. Bile is essential for the digestion of fats in the small intestine. The liver produces bile, which is then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until it is released into the small intestine when needed. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the liver produces bile, the pancreas produces digestive enzymes, and the stomach is primarily involved in the digestion of food through acid secretion and mechanical processes, not in storing bile.

3. How many kilograms are in 1,800 grams?

A. 0.18
B. 1.8
C. 18
D. 180

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To convert grams to kilograms, divide by 1,000 since there are 1,000 grams in a kilogram. Therefore, 1,800 grams is equal to 1.8 kilograms (1,800 / 1,000 = 1.8). Choice A (0.18) is incorrect because it incorrectly shifted the decimal point. Choice C (18) is incorrect as it represents the direct conversion without dividing by 1,000. Choice D (180) is incorrect as it is in the hundreds and not the correct conversion to kilograms. The correct answer is B.

4. What is the main function of red blood cells?

A. Transport oxygen
B. Transport carbon dioxide
C. Regulate blood pressure
D. Regulate heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transport oxygen. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to cells throughout the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration and energy production in the body. Red blood cells do not regulate blood pressure or heart rate; their main role is oxygen transport. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because red blood cells do not transport carbon dioxide, regulate blood pressure, or regulate heart rate. These functions are primarily carried out by other components of the circulatory and regulatory systems.