What is the function of the small intestine?

Questions 38

HESI A2

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Quizlet HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Questions

Question 1 of 9

What is the function of the small intestine?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the digested food into the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body. Therefore, the correct function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients. Choice A is incorrect because the gallbladder stores bile, not the small intestine. Choice C is incorrect because the digestion process primarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine. Choice D is incorrect because while the small intestine does play a role in enzyme production, its primary function is nutrient absorption.

Question 2 of 9

What is the primary role of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carrying oxygen. Hemoglobin's primary function in red blood cells is to bind with oxygen in the lungs and transport it to the body's tissues and cells. This process is crucial for cellular respiration and the overall oxygenation of the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hemoglobin primarily carries oxygen, not nutrients, carbon dioxide, or waste products.

Question 3 of 9

Which gland produces melatonin?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pineal gland. This gland is responsible for producing melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is influenced by exposure to light, with levels typically rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling in the morning to aid wakefulness. The Thyroid gland (choice B) produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the Adrenal gland (choice C) produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and the Pituitary gland (choice D) controls several other glands in the endocrine system.

Question 4 of 9

What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "To transport oxygen and nutrients." The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells throughout the body and remove waste products. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by delivering essential substances to tissues and organs while eliminating metabolic waste. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although the cardiovascular system indirectly helps in removing waste products through circulation, its primary function is focused on transporting essential substances and not on regulating body temperature or fighting infections.

Question 5 of 9

What is the main function of the skeletal system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the skeletal system is to provide structural support, protect internal organs, enable movement, and maintain the body's form. Choice A, 'To produce red blood cells,' is incorrect as the skeletal system's role in blood cell production is through the bone marrow, not its main function. Choice C, 'To regulate body temperature,' is incorrect as the skeletal system is not primarily responsible for regulating body temperature. Choice D, 'To store calcium,' is partially correct as the skeletal system does store calcium but this is not its main function; instead, it is essential for bone strength and muscle function.

Question 6 of 9

What is the primary role of the stomach in the digestive system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary role of the stomach in the digestive system is to break down food. It accomplishes this through the action of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, which work together to break down food into a semi-liquid mixture known as chyme. Option B, 'To break down food,' is the correct answer. Option A, 'To absorb nutrients,' is incorrect because absorption mainly occurs in the small intestine. Option C, 'To secrete digestive enzymes,' is partially correct as the stomach does secrete digestive enzymes, but its primary function is to break down food. Option D, 'To store glucose,' is incorrect as glucose storage primarily occurs in the liver and muscles, not the stomach.

Question 7 of 9

What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Remove carbon dioxide from the body. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to return excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream and assist in the body's defense against infections by filtering out harmful pathogens and foreign particles. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because transporting oxygen to cells is mainly done by the circulatory system, hormone production is primarily carried out by endocrine glands, and nutrient transport is also a function of the circulatory system and the digestive system, not the lymphatic system.

Question 8 of 9

Which structure in the kidney is responsible for filtering blood?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The glomerulus is the correct answer. It is a vital structure in the kidney responsible for filtering blood. The glomerulus is a network of capillaries that filters waste products and excess substances from the blood to form urine. While the Bowman's capsule, Loop of Henle, and Collecting duct are also essential components of the nephron, the primary site of blood filtration occurs at the glomerulus. The Bowman's capsule surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtered fluid, the Loop of Henle reabsorbs water and important ions, and the Collecting duct further concentrates the urine, but none of these structures are primarily responsible for filtering blood as the glomerulus is.

Question 9 of 9

Which structure in the eye is responsible for focusing light on the retina?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The lens of the eye is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. It plays a crucial role in bending light rays to ensure that they converge on the retina, enabling clear vision. The cornea helps in focusing light, but the final adjustment and fine-tuning occur through the lens. The retina receives the focused light and converts it into neural signals for the brain to interpret. The pupil, on the other hand, controls the amount of light entering the eye by dilating or constricting.

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