The clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones are the .

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: islets of Langerhans. These clusters of cells in the pancreas are responsible for producing hormones such as insulin and glucagon. They play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. The other choices, B: pancreatic medulla, C: pancreatic cortex, and D: nodules, are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the specific clusters of cells in the pancreas responsible for hormone production. It is important to understand the function and location of the islets of Langerhans to grasp the endocrine role of the pancreas.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To digest carbohydrates. The stomach primarily digests proteins through the action of pepsin and hydrochloric acid. Carbohydrates are primarily broken down in the mouth by salivary amylase, not in the stomach. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the stomach does play a role in digesting proteins, temporarily storing food, and neutralizing alkali from the mouth, respectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because hormones are released into the bloodstream by endocrine glands and travel to specific target tissues, where they bind to receptors on the surface or within the cells. This binding triggers a series of cellular responses that regulate various physiological processes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hormones do not affect target tissues through the digestive system, nervous system, or by secreting mucus. Hormones act specifically by binding to receptors on target cells to initiate their effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.