What is the primary function of the large intestine?

Questions 38

HESI A2

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HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023 Questions

Question 1 of 9

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter and form solid waste (feces) for excretion. This process helps in reabsorbing water and electrolytes, resulting in the formation of feces by compacting the waste material. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the large intestine is not responsible for producing digestive enzymes, secreting hormones, or transporting nutrients. These functions are typically associated with other parts of the digestive system.

Question 2 of 9

What is the primary function of the pancreas in digestion?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To secrete digestive enzymes. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the process of breaking down food particles into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by the body for nutrients. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the primary function of the pancreas is not to absorb nutrients, produce bile, or store glucose in digestion.

Question 3 of 9

What is the function of the liver in digestion?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The liver's main role in digestion is to produce bile, a substance that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile emulsifies fats, helping enzymes break them down into smaller molecules for easier absorption in the digestive tract. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'To produce bile.' Storing glucose, secreting digestive enzymes, and detoxifying harmful substances are functions of the liver, but they are not primarily related to digestion.

Question 4 of 9

Which organelle in the cell is responsible for packaging and distributing proteins?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Golgi apparatus is an organelle responsible for packaging and distributing proteins and lipids within the cell. It modifies, sorts, and packages these molecules into vesicles for transportation to their final destinations, either within the cell or outside of it. The Golgi apparatus plays a crucial role in the secretory pathway of cells, ensuring that proteins are properly processed and directed to where they are needed. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not packaging and distributing proteins. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis and folding but not primarily in packaging and distributing proteins. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration, not packaging and distributing proteins.

Question 5 of 9

What is the primary role of the large intestine?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To absorb water. The primary role of the large intestine is to absorb water from indigestible food matter. This absorption process helps in forming solid waste for excretion. Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the large intestine. Breaking down food and secreting digestive enzymes are functions primarily associated with the stomach and small intestine.

Question 6 of 9

What is the primary function of the immune system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the immune system is to fight infections. It identifies and destroys pathogens like bacteria and viruses, protecting the body from harmful substances. While oxygen transportation is carried out by the respiratory system, energy production is mainly the role of the metabolic system, and body temperature regulation is managed by the thermoregulatory system. These functions are separate from the immune system's primary role of defending the body against infections.

Question 7 of 9

Which of the following structures is located in the respiratory system?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a crucial structure in the respiratory system. It is located in the upper part of the trachea and houses the vocal cords. The larynx plays a key role in producing sound and protecting the trachea by closing during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. This makes the larynx the correct answer in this context. The trachea (Choice B) is a respiratory structure that connects the larynx to the lungs, allowing air to pass through. The pharynx (Choice C) is a shared pathway for both air and food, located at the back of the throat. The esophagus (Choice D) is part of the digestive system, responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach. Therefore, Choices B, C, and D are not located in the respiratory system.

Question 8 of 9

What is the role of the large intestine in the digestive system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absorbing water and forming solid waste. The large intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing water from the remaining indigestible food matter and forming solid waste (feces) to be excreted from the body. This process helps in maintaining the body's fluid balance and eliminating waste efficiently. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the large intestine is not primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients, breaking down fats, or secreting digestive enzymes. These functions are mainly carried out in the small intestine.

Question 9 of 9

What is the function of the medulla oblongata in the brain?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To control breathing and heart rate. The medulla oblongata is a vital part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. These functions are crucial for maintaining life, and the medulla oblongata plays a key role in ensuring the body's survival. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus, coordinating voluntary movements is associated with the cerebellum and motor cortex, and processing sensory information is related to the thalamus and sensory cortex, not the medulla oblongata.

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