which part of the digestive system is responsible for absorbing nutrients

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

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

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The small intestine is the correct answer because it is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It contains specialized structures such as villi and microvilli that maximize the absorption of nutrients from digested food. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach; the stomach primarily aids in digestion by secreting enzymes and acids; and the large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter. Therefore, the small intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing essential nutrients for the body's functions, making it the correct choice in this context.

2. Why is it essential to formulate a hypothesis before conducting an experiment?

A. It will increase the investigator's reputation and prestige if their hypothesis is proven correct.
B. The hypothesis helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for.
C. Formulating a hypothesis shows potential sources of funding that the investigator has given some thought to the experiment.
D. The hypothesis directs which results to keep and publish; results that do not match the hypothesis should be discarded.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Formulating a hypothesis before conducting an experiment is crucial because it helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for. A hypothesis serves as a prediction or an educated guess about what might happen in the experiment, providing a clear direction for the research process. It allows the investigator to focus on specific variables and outcomes, making the experiment more organized and effective. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of a hypothesis is not to boost an investigator's reputation but to guide the research. Choice C is incorrect as formulating a hypothesis is not primarily about impressing funders but about setting a clear direction for the study. Choice D is incorrect because the hypothesis is not meant to dictate which results to keep based on preconceived notions but to guide the investigation and allow for unbiased interpretation of results.

3. Which of the following is an example of a long bone in the human body?

A. Carpals
B. Femur
C. Tarsals
D. Metacarpals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Femur. The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, located in the thigh region. Long bones are characterized by their elongated shape, such as the femur, which provides support, strength, and mobility. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because carpal bones (A) are short bones found in the wrist, tarsal bones (C) are short bones found in the ankle, and metacarpal bones (D) are classified as long bones, but they are shorter than the femur and mainly found in the hand.

4. Which cavity contains all of the frontal cavities? Choose only ONE best answer.

A. Dorsal
B. Thoracic
C. Abdominopelvic
D. Ventral

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ventral. The ventral cavity includes both the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities. The frontal cavities are part of the ventral cavity, which is located towards the front of the body, while the dorsal cavity is towards the back. The dorsal cavity contains the cranial and vertebral cavities, not the frontal cavities. The thoracic cavity is part of the ventral cavity but does not encompass all the frontal cavities. The abdominopelvic cavity is also part of the ventral cavity, but it does not include all of the frontal cavities. Therefore, the ventral cavity is the correct choice as it encompasses all the frontal cavities.

5. Which of the following is a representation of a natural pattern or occurrence that is difficult or impossible to experience directly?

A. A theory
B. A model
C. A law
D. An observation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A model is a representation of a natural pattern or occurrence that is difficult or impossible to experience directly. Models are used to simplify complex systems or phenomena to aid in understanding or making predictions about them. The other options (A, C, and D) do not specifically refer to representations of natural patterns or occurrences as models do. A theory is an explanation based on observations, experiments, and reasoning. A law is a statement that describes a consistent natural phenomenon observed to occur without exception. An observation is a direct result of perceiving something using the senses, without being a representation or abstraction of a natural pattern.