Which of the following membranes covers the stomach?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: visceral peritoneum. The visceral peritoneum covers the stomach and is a serous membrane that covers the organs within the abdominal cavity. It provides support and protection to the stomach. The falciform ligament (choice A) attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and doesn't cover the stomach. The mesocolon (choice B) is a peritoneal fold that supports the colon, not the stomach. The parietal peritoneum (choice C) lines the abdominal wall and does not cover the stomach directly. Therefore, the correct choice is D because the visceral peritoneum directly covers and protects the stomach.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because MRI provides better contrast between normal and pathologic tissue compared to CT scans. This is crucial for accurately diagnosing certain conditions. Choice B is incorrect as MRI images often require more complex analysis. Choice C is incorrect as both MRI and CT scans can produce digital images. Choice D is incorrect because CT scans expose patients to less radiation than MRI.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: small intestine. The majority of chemical digestion occurs in the small intestine, specifically in the duodenum, where enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver break down food into nutrients. Stomach primarily performs mechanical digestion and initial protein breakdown. Mouth initiates mechanical digestion through chewing and begins carbohydrate digestion. Large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes. Therefore, small intestine is the site of most chemical digestion due to its specialized enzymes and processes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The main role of the stomach is the digestion of proteins. Step 1: Stomach secretes gastric juices containing pepsin and hydrochloric acid. Step 2: Proteins are broken down into peptides and amino acids. Step 3: These smaller molecules are then further digested and absorbed in the small intestine. Absorption of nutrients (A) primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not secreted by the stomach (B). The transport of food (D) occurs through the esophagus and into the stomach, not the main role of the stomach itself.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Secreting digestive enzymes. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and proteases to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. This aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients. Producing insulin (Choice A) is a function of the pancreas but is primarily related to regulating blood sugar levels, not digestion. Producing bile (Choice B) is a function of the liver, not the pancreas. Absorbing nutrients (Choice D) is a function of the small intestine, not the pancreas. Therefore, the correct answer is C based on the role of the pancreas in digestion and enzyme secretion.