which part of the digestive system is primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

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

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It is lined with specialized cells that facilitate the absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body. While the stomach plays a role in digestion by breaking down food with acid and enzymes, the actual absorption of nutrients occurs mainly in the small intestine. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach, but it does not absorb nutrients. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, not nutrients.

2. What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?

A. Transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells
B. Carrying waste products away from tissues
C. Regulating body temperature
D. Producing red blood cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the lymphatic system is to carry waste products away from tissues. Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid, waste materials, and toxins from the body's tissues and transport them to the bloodstream for elimination. Choice A is incorrect because transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells is mainly the function of the circulatory system. Choice C is incorrect as regulating body temperature is primarily done by the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms. Choice D is incorrect because the production of red blood cells occurs in the bone marrow, not in the lymphatic system.

3. Which of the following correctly describes a strong acid?

A. A strong acid completely ionizes in water.
B. A strong acid donates more than one proton.
C. A strong acid contains at least one metal atom.
D. A strong acid will not decompose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A strong acid is defined as an acid that completely ionizes in water, meaning it dissociates fully into its constituent ions in solution. This characteristic differentiates strong acids from weak acids, which do not fully dissociate in water. Choice B is incorrect because the number of protons donated does not solely define the strength of an acid. Choice C is incorrect as strong acids are not defined by the presence of metal atoms, and Choice D is incorrect because all acids can decompose, but the strength of the acid is based on its ability to ionize in water.

4. Why do Neon (Ne) and Helium (He) belong to Group 18 (Noble Gases)?

A. Electromagnetism
B. Gravity
C. Strong nuclear force
D. Weak nuclear force

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Neon (Ne) and Helium (He) belong to Group 18 (Noble Gases) because they have complete and stable outer electron shells. The stability of these outer electron shells is due to the balance of attractive forces between the positively charged protons in the nucleus and the negatively charged electrons in the outer shell. This balance is maintained by the electromagnetic force, which is responsible for holding atoms together and determining their chemical properties. Gravity (Choice B) is a force of attraction between objects with mass and is not responsible for the stability of electron shells. The strong nuclear force (Choice C) and weak nuclear force (Choice D) are forces that act within the nucleus of an atom and are not directly related to the stability of outer electron shells in determining an element's group in the periodic table.

5. DNA has both a 'sense' and 'antisense' strand. What is true about the antisense strand?

A. It runs 5' to 3'.
B. It runs 3' to 5'.
C. It is used in replication.
D. It is the direction DNA is stored.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It runs 3' to 5'. The antisense strand runs in the 3' to 5' direction, complementing the sense strand. Choice A is incorrect as the antisense strand runs in the opposite direction, which is 3' to 5'. Choice C is incorrect because the antisense strand is not directly involved in replication. Choice D is incorrect as the direction DNA is stored is not determined by the antisense strand.