What is the chemical structure that forms the base component of an amino acid?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the amino group. Amino acids consist of an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain attached to a central carbon atom. The amino group is essential for the formation of proteins. The carboxyl group is not the base component but another important functional group in amino acids. Carbon chain and radicals are not specific chemical structures that form the base component of an amino acid.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. Choice A, hiatal hernia, is a condition where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. Choice B, diverticulitis, is inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system. Choice C, gastroenteritis, is inflammation of the stomach and intestines typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Therefore, only choice D accurately describes the regurgitation or reflux of acidic stomach contents back into the esophagus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands are the main salivary glands located in the mouth. They play a crucial role in producing saliva, which aids in digestion. The stomach (choice B) is where gastric juices are produced, the pancreas (choice C) secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine, and the duodenum (choice D) is the first part of the small intestine where most chemical digestion occurs. Therefore, the correct answer is the mouth (choice A) as it is where these salivary glands are situated.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: kwashiorkor. Kwashiorkor is a form of protein-energy malnutrition that arises due to a protein-deficient diet. This condition leads to symptoms such as edema, skin lesions, and fatty liver. Choice B, marasmus, is a form of PEM caused by overall malnutrition (protein and calorie deficiency), resulting in severe wasting and muscle loss. Choice C, anemia, is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, not specifically related to protein deficiency. Choice D, beriberi, is a disease caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, not a form of PEM related to protein deficiency.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: pancreas. Secretin stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate, which acts as a buffering solution to neutralize the acid entering the duodenum from the stomach. This process helps in maintaining the pH balance in the small intestine. Choice A, stomach, is incorrect as the stomach does not produce the buffering solution needed for the duodenum. Choice B, liver, is incorrect because secretin does not directly stimulate the liver to produce a buffering solution. Choice D, oxyntic cells, is also incorrect as these cells in the stomach are responsible for producing gastric acid, not the buffering solution needed in the duodenum.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: bile. Bile acts as an emulsifier, breaking down fats into smaller droplets to aid in digestion and absorption. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme that acts on proteins, not fats. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats, but it doesn't act as an emulsifier. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, including lipase, but it is not directly involved in emulsification.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mucus is produced by the salivary glands to moisten food and aid in swallowing. Additionally, the intestinal glands secrete mucus to protect the lining of the intestines. The other choices, esophageal glands, pineal gland, and islets of Langerhans, are not involved in the production of mucus in the digestive system.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ketones are produced when the body uses fat for energy due to the depletion of carbohydrate stores. When carbohydrate stores are depleted, the body turns to fat as its primary source of energy, leading to the production of ketones. Excess protein consumption does not directly lead to ketone production. Similarly, the depletion of protein stores or fat stores is not directly related to the production of ketones.