What role does the pancreas play in digestion?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: producing enzymes. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and protease that help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes are crucial for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. A: The pancreas does not produce bile. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. C: The pancreas does not store nutrients. Nutrient storage mainly occurs in the liver and adipose tissue. D: The pancreas does not absorb vitamins. Vitamin absorption primarily takes place in the small intestine. In summary, the pancreas plays a vital role in digestion by producing enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food components.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The large intestine's main role is to absorb water from the indigestible food residue, forming feces. This process helps maintain proper hydration levels in the body. It does not digest proteins (choice A) or absorb nutrients (choice B), as these processes primarily occur in the small intestine. The production of bile (choice D) is carried out by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not by the large intestine. Thus, choice C is correct as it aligns with the primary function of the large intestine.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Digestion of lipids is not a function of saliva. Saliva primarily aids in cleaning the mouth by washing away food particles, killing bacteria with its antibacterial properties, and facilitating speech by lubricating the mouth and throat. Digestion of lipids primarily occurs in the small intestine with the help of enzymes like lipase. Salivary amylase, found in saliva, assists in breaking down carbohydrates, not lipids. Therefore, digestion of lipids is not a function of saliva.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sucrose. Diseases that reduce pancreatic enzyme secretions typically do not affect the digestion and absorption of sucrose because sucrose is primarily broken down in the small intestine by sucrase, an enzyme produced by the intestinal lining, not the pancreas. Animal proteins (choice A) and plant proteins (choice B) require pancreatic enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin for digestion; plant lipids (choice C) require pancreatic lipase for digestion. Therefore, choices A, B, and C would be affected by reduced pancreatic enzyme secretions, unlike sucrose.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Diseases of the inner ear. Vomiting is primarily controlled by the vomiting center in the brainstem, which responds to various stimuli such as irritation of the duodenal mucosa (Choice A), microbial toxins in the blood (Choice C), and severe exercise (Choice D). Diseases of the inner ear do not directly trigger the vomiting reflex, making Choice B the correct answer.