Which of the following is NOT a function of the digestive system?

Which of the following is NOT a function of the digestive system?

December 8, 2024

Which of the following is NOT a function of the digestive system? Question 1

  • A. To ingest food.
  • B. To digest food into small nutrients so that the molecules can pass through membranes.
  • C. To absorb nutrient molecules.
  • D. Regulating metabolism.

Answer: D. Regulating metabolism

Brief Explanation: The digestive system is responsible for ingestion, digestion, and absorption of nutrients. Regulating metabolism is the role of the endocrine system, particularly through hormones like insulin and glucagon.


Which of the following is NOT a function of the digestive system? Question 2

  • A. Filtration.
  • B. Compaction.
  • C. Ingestion.
  • D. Absorption.
  • E. Mechanical processing.

Answer: A. Filtration.

Brief Explanation: Filtration is carried out by the urinary system to remove toxins and excess fluids from the blood. The digestive system focuses on processing food, not filtering fluids.


Which of the following is NOT a function of the digestive system? Question 3

  • A. To ingest food.
  • B. To digest food into small nutrients so that the molecules can pass through membranes.
  • C. To absorb nutrient molecules.
  • D. To filter toxins from the blood.

Answer: D. To filter toxins from the blood.

Brief Explanation: Filtering toxins is not a digestive system function. Instead, it is managed by the liver and kidneys as part of the excretory system. The digestive system handles food intake, digestion, and nutrient absorption.


What is a Function of the Digestive System?

Before identifying what is NOT a function, it’s important to define a function of the digestive system. The digestive system includes processes like ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination. Each plays a crucial role in turning food into usable energy and nutrients while discarding waste.

Primary Functions of the Digestive System

  1. Ingestion
    This is the first step, involving the intake of food and liquids through the mouth. Without ingestion, the body cannot process nutrients.

  2. Digestion
    Digestion breaks down food into smaller molecules through mechanical and chemical processes. These molecules are essential for absorption into the bloodstream.

  3. Absorption
    Nutrients are absorbed primarily in the small intestine and transported to the bloodstream to fuel the body’s cells.

  4. Elimination
    The digestive system disposes of undigested food and waste through the large intestine and rectum.

  5. Mechanical Processing
    Processes like chewing and stomach churning break down food to prepare it for chemical digestion.


Which Functions are NOT Part of the Digestive System?

1. Regulating Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that maintain life, involving the endocrine and metabolic systems. While the digestive system supplies nutrients, it does not regulate how the body uses them. Hormones like insulin and glucagon, controlled by the pancreas, oversee metabolic regulation.

2. Filtration

Filtration is primarily the job of the urinary system, involving organs like the kidneys and bladder. This system filters blood to remove toxins and excess fluids, unlike the digestive system, which focuses on breaking down food.

3. Circulation

Although nutrients absorbed by the digestive system enter the bloodstream, circulation itself is managed by the cardiovascular system. The digestive system supports circulation by providing nutrients, but it does not actively circulate blood.


Similar Questions

Question 1: Which of the following is NOT a role of the digestive system? Check all that apply.

A. To break down food into absorbable nutrients.
B. To regulate blood sugar levels.
C. To transport nutrients to cells throughout the body.
D. To produce digestive enzymes.

Answer:

B. To regulate blood sugar levels.
C. To transport nutrients to cells throughout the body.

Brief Explanations:

The digestive system's primary role is to break down food into absorbable nutrients and produce digestive enzymes. Regulating blood sugar levels is a function of the pancreas and endocrine system, while transporting nutrients to cells is a role of the circulatory system, particularly through the bloodstream.


Question 2: Select the option that is NOT a function associated with the digestive system.

A. To absorb vitamins and minerals from food.
B. To synthesize hormones for metabolism regulation.
C. To eliminate waste products from the body.
D. To mechanically and chemically process food.

Answer:

B. To synthesize hormones for metabolism regulation.

Brief Explanations:

While the digestive system does absorb nutrients, eliminate waste, and process food, synthesizing hormones for metabolism regulation is a function of the endocrine system. Some organs in the digestive system, like the pancreas, do release hormones, but the main regulation is controlled by the broader endocrine system.


Question 3: Identify which of the following does NOT pertain to the functions of the digestive system: Check all that apply.

A. To provide energy through nutrient absorption.
B. To store and release bile for fat digestion.
C. To maintain fluid balance in the body.
D. To break down proteins into amino acids.

Answer:

C. To maintain fluid balance in the body.

Brief Explanations:

The digestive system absorbs nutrients and breaks down proteins, but maintaining fluid balance is primarily the role of the kidneys and the lymphatic system, not the digestive system. Bile storage and fat digestion are functions of the liver and gallbladder, respectively.


Question 4: Which statement is NOT true regarding the functions of the digestive system? Please check all that apply.

A. To facilitate gas exchange in the lungs.
B. To digest carbohydrates into simple sugars.
C. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.
D. To produce waste for excretion from the body.

Answer:

A. To facilitate gas exchange in the lungs.

Brief Explanations:

Facilitating gas exchange in the lungs is a function of the respiratory system, not the digestive system. The digestive system is responsible for digesting carbohydrates, absorbing nutrients, and producing waste for excretion.