Certified Gastroenterology RN Exam Quiz!

The large intestine absorbs water. This is because the large intestine's main function is to absorb water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter, or chyme, that enters it from the small intestine. The absorption of water in the large intestine helps to solidify the waste material and form feces, while also preventing dehydration by reabsorbing water back into the body.

Saliva is produced by the salivary glands. These glands are located in the mouth and secrete saliva, which helps in the digestion process by moistening food and breaking it down chemically. The opening in the mouth is not responsible for producing saliva, and crown glands are not related to saliva production. Therefore, the correct answer is the salivary glands.

The liver secretes bile, which is a digestive fluid that helps in the breakdown and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile is produced by the liver cells and stored in the gallbladder until it is needed for digestion. It contains bile salts, cholesterol, and waste products such as bilirubin. Bile plays a crucial role in emulsifying fats, making them easier to digest and absorb. It also helps in the elimination of waste products from the body.

The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. It is lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area and allow for better absorption. These villi absorb nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream, where they are transported to the cells of the body for energy and other functions. The small intestine plays a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption, making the answer "Absorb nutrients" correct.

Chyme is the correct answer because it is the semi-liquid substance that is created when gastric acid mixes with partially digested food in the stomach. It is then passed into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Expulsion is not a stage of digestion because it refers to the process of eliminating waste materials from the body, rather than breaking down and absorbing nutrients from food. The stages of digestion include ingestion (taking in food), propulsion (moving food through the digestive tract), and absorption (absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream). Expulsion occurs after digestion is complete, when indigestible waste materials are eliminated through the rectum and anus.

The gastric mucosa secretes gastric acid, which is a strong acid composed mainly of hydrochloric acid. This acid helps in the digestion process by breaking down food and killing bacteria that may be present in the stomach. It also activates pepsin, an enzyme that helps in the breakdown of proteins. Lipids, on the other hand, are not directly secreted by the gastric mucosa.

Amylase is the correct answer because it is an enzyme that is present in the mouth and aids in the digestion of carbohydrates. It breaks down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, such as glucose, which can be easily absorbed by the body. Lipids are not digested in the mouth, and pepsin is an enzyme that is active in the stomach for protein digestion. Therefore, the correct answer is amylase.

On average, a person produces approximately two liters of saliva in a day. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands in the mouth and helps in the process of digestion by breaking down food and facilitating swallowing. It also helps in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids and preventing tooth decay. The amount of saliva produced can vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as hydration levels, diet, and overall health.

Gastric pits are the openings in the gastric mucosa that lead to the gastric glands. These pits are lined with specialized cells that secrete various substances necessary for digestion, such as hydrochloric acid and enzymes. The gastric pits play a crucial role in the digestion process by allowing the secretions from the gastric glands to enter the stomach and mix with the food.