What is the main role of the digestive system in the human body?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
The main role of the digestive system in the human body is to process ingested food and absorb essential nutrients. When food is consumed, it undergoes mechanical and chemical breakdown starting from the mouth and continues throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This process allows the body to extract carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are vital for energy production, growth, and cellular repair.
The digestive system includes organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, each playing a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption. Without this system functioning properly, the body would not receive the necessary nutrients needed to maintain health and sustain life.
In contrast:
- Option 1 refers to the endocrine system which secretes hormones.
- Option 3 refers mainly to the urinary system, responsible for filtering and excreting metabolic wastes.
- Option 4 involves the renal system and other regulatory mechanisms maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2, highlighting the digestive system’s primary role in nutrient processing and absorption.
Reference: Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 36 - Gastrointestinal Physiology
The digestive system includes organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, each playing a crucial role in digestion and nutrient absorption. Without this system functioning properly, the body would not receive the necessary nutrients needed to maintain health and sustain life.
In contrast:
- Option 1 refers to the endocrine system which secretes hormones.
- Option 3 refers mainly to the urinary system, responsible for filtering and excreting metabolic wastes.
- Option 4 involves the renal system and other regulatory mechanisms maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2, highlighting the digestive system’s primary role in nutrient processing and absorption.
Reference: Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 36 - Gastrointestinal Physiology
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