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

Questions 38

HESI A2

HESI A2 Test Bank

Quizlet HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Questions

Question 1 of 5

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 2 of 5

Which gland produces the hormone melatonin?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pineal gland. The pineal gland is responsible for producing melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin secretion is influenced by light exposure. Higher levels are observed at night to promote sleep, while lower levels during the day encourage wakefulness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not associated with the production of melatonin. The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine and triiodothyronine, the pituitary gland controls various other glands, and the adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Question 3 of 5

What is the primary function of the circulatory system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The circulatory system's primary function is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells and remove waste products. Choice A is incorrect because hormone production is primarily carried out by endocrine glands. Choice C is incorrect as fighting infections is a role of the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as regulating body temperature is mainly controlled by the integumentary and nervous systems.

Question 4 of 5

Which vitamin is necessary for the absorption of calcium?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It is essential for the absorption of calcium in the intestines, facilitating the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium levels in the blood and promotes bone mineralization, making it crucial for overall bone health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Vitamin C is not directly involved in calcium absorption, Vitamin A is more related to vision and immune function, and Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting and bone mineralization but is not primarily responsible for calcium absorption.

Question 5 of 5

What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To secrete digestive enzymes. The pancreas is responsible for secreting digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine, facilitating the process of digestion. Choice B is incorrect because the pancreas does not store bile; that is primarily the function of the gallbladder. Choice C is incorrect as the absorption of nutrients mainly occurs in the small intestine, not the pancreas. Choice D is incorrect as the transport of glucose is primarily regulated by insulin produced in the pancreas, but this is not the main role of the pancreas in digestion.

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