The liver is located in the abdomen and performs many functions. Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. The liver does not manufacture insulin; this function is carried out by the pancreas. 2. Storing food is a function of the liver (choice A). 3. Producing digestive juices is a function of the liver (choice C). 4. The liver has the ability to regenerate and heal itself when damaged (choice D). Summary: Choice B is incorrect because the liver does not manufacture insulin; the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are all functions of the liver.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: mouth. Starch digestion begins in the mouth with the action of salivary amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into maltose. This process initiates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. The stomach (A) primarily digests proteins, the small intestine (B) further breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and the esophagus (D) is a passageway for food to travel from the mouth to the stomach. Hence, the mouth is where the digestion of starch begins due to the presence of salivary amylase.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: gall bladder. The gall bladder stores and releases bile produced by the liver, which aids in the digestion of lipids by emulsifying fats. This process breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for enzymes to act upon. Salivary glands (choice A) produce saliva that contains enzymes for carbohydrate digestion. The stomach (choice B) primarily digests proteins through the action of gastric enzymes. The large intestine (choice D) mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, not involved in lipid digestion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: stomach. The stomach is the most acidic area in the digestive tract, with a low pH due to the presence of hydrochloric acid that aids in digestion. Choice A (mouth) has a neutral pH, not as low as the stomach. Choices C (large intestine) and D (small intestine) have higher pH levels due to the neutralization of acids from previous stages. Therefore, the reading labelled X, which is at a low pH, is most likely obtained from the stomach.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: stomach. After food leaves the esophagus, it enters the stomach for further digestion. The stomach secretes digestive enzymes and acids to break down food. The liver (choice A) is not where food enters after the esophagus. The pharynx (choice B) is part of the throat and not a digestive organ. The pancreas (choice D) is involved in producing digestive enzymes but food does not enter it directly after the esophagus.