The release of gastric secretions is stimulated by nerve and hormonal stimuli and the:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'presence of food in the stomach.' Gastric secretions are stimulated when food enters the stomach, triggering nerve and hormonal responses. This process prepares the stomach for digestion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because ingesting water, swallowing reflex, and the closing of the pyloric sphincter do not directly stimulate the release of gastric secretions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the amino group. Amino groups are functional groups found in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. These groups contain nitrogen and are essential for the structure and function of proteins. The carboxyl group (choice B) contains carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, while the peptide bond (choice C) is a covalent bond formed between amino acids in a protein chain. The side chain (choice D) refers to the unique chemical structure attached to the central carbon of an amino acid and varies among different amino acids, but it does not specifically contain nitrogen.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Gluconeogenesis mainly occurs in the liver. It is a process where glucose is synthesized from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and glycerol. The liver is the primary site for gluconeogenesis due to the presence of key enzymes and substrates required for this process. Muscles do not play a significant role in gluconeogenesis, making choice A incorrect. The pancreas is involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon but is not the primary site for gluconeogenesis, so choice B is incorrect. The spleen is not a major organ involved in glucose metabolism, making choice D incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'presence of food in the stomach.' Gastric secretions are stimulated when food enters the stomach, triggering nerve and hormonal responses. This process prepares the stomach for digestion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because ingesting water, swallowing reflex, and the closing of the pyloric sphincter do not directly stimulate the release of gastric secretions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The rate at which the stomach empties its contents is primarily determined by the composition of the food consumed. Foods high in fat and protein tend to slow down gastric emptying, while foods high in carbohydrates usually pass through more quickly. Therefore, the composition of food consumed directly impacts the rate of gastric emptying. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly affect the rate of gastric emptying.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the hormone responsible for stimulating the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the small intestine. Secretin primarily acts on the pancreas to stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate-rich fluid. Gastrin functions in the stimulation of gastric acid secretion, while Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) plays a role in inhibiting gastric acid secretion and stimulating insulin release.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - intramural nerve plexus. This network of nerves regulates the muscular movements within the gastrointestinal wall. The gastric nerve plexus (choice A) specifically relates to the stomach, not the entire gastrointestinal tract. The biliary nerve plexus (choice B) is associated with the bile ducts and gallbladder, not the regulation of muscular action. The intestinal nerve plexus (choice D) is a general term that doesn't specifically refer to the network of nerves within the gastrointestinal wall.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a low-carbohydrate diet, fats become the primary source of calories as carbohydrate intake is restricted. Proteins can contribute to caloric intake but are not the primary source in a low-carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates are intentionally limited in this diet, so they do not supply most of the calories. Vitamins are essential nutrients but do not provide calories.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Bacteria found in the colon are important because they synthesize important vitamins, such as vitamin K. This aids in the body's overall health and functioning. Choice B is incorrect because absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the colon. Choice C is incorrect as the synthesis of minerals is not a primary function of colon bacteria. Choice D is incorrect as the digestion process mainly occurs in the stomach and small intestine.