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Feces is usually about 40 percent water and 60 percent solid matter. Reducing the water content to 20 percent would most likely result in

A. ulcers

B. appendicitis

C. diarrhea

D. constipation

Answer Explanation:

D) constipation

- Correct: Feces with reduced water content, such as reducing the water content to 20 percent, would result in constipation. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool, often characterized by hard, dry, and difficult-to-pass stools. When feces have less water content, they become harder and drier, making them more difficult to pass through the intestines. This can lead to discomfort, straining during bowel movements, and a sense of incomplete evacuation.

A) ulcers

- Incorrect: Ulcers are sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the digestive tract, commonly in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. They are not directly related to changes in the water content of feces.

B) appendicitis

- Incorrect: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch located near the junction of the small and large intestines. It is not directly related to changes in the water content of feces.

C) diarrhea

- Incorrect: Diarrhea refers to frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. Reduced water content in feces would lead to constipation rather than diarrhea.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: The digestion of food and subsequent absorption into the bloodstream is important because

    A. absorbed food is toxic to the body

    B. absorbed food stimulates reproduction

    C. absorbed food is the raw material for metabolism

    D. absorbed food aids in respiration

    Answer Explanation

    C) absorbed food is the raw material for metabolism

    - Correct: The digestion of food and subsequent absorption into the bloodstream are essential processes because absorbed food molecules serve as the raw material for metabolism. Once nutrients from food are absorbed into the bloodstream, they are transported to cells throughout the body where they are used for various metabolic processes. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used for energy production. Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are used for building and repairing tissues, as well as for synthesizing enzymes and hormones. Fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, which are used for energy production and for building cell membranes and certain hormones. Overall, absorbed food molecules provide the necessary energy and building blocks for cellular activities, growth, and maintenance of the body.

    A) absorbed food is toxic to the body

    - Incorrect: Absorbed food is not inherently toxic to the body. In fact, nutrients obtained from food are essential for the body's survival and proper functioning. However, certain substances in food may be harmful if absorbed in excessive amounts, such as certain vitamins or minerals. Generally, the body has mechanisms to regulate nutrient absorption and maintain homeostasis.

    B) absorbed food stimulates reproduction

    - Incorrect: While proper nutrition is important for overall health and fertility, absorbed food does not directly stimulate reproduction. Reproduction is regulated by various hormones and physiological processes within the body.

    D) absorbed food aids in respiration

    - Incorrect: While nutrients obtained from food are used by cells for energy production through respiration, absorbed food itself does not directly aid in respiration. Respiration is a complex physiological process that involves the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the lungs and cellular respiration within cells to produce energy.

  • Q #2: Which structure produces a substance that aids in the mechanical breakdown of fats?

    A. liver

    B. thyroid gland

    C. testes

    D. pituitary gland

    Answer Explanation

    A) liver

    - Correct: The liver produces bile, a substance that aids in the mechanical breakdown of fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when needed. Bile emulsifies large fat globules into smaller droplets, which increases the surface area for the action of digestive enzymes. This process facilitates the breakdown of fats into smaller molecules for digestion and absorption.

    B) thyroid gland

    - Incorrect: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism but is not directly involved in the mechanical breakdown of fats.

    C) testes

    - Incorrect: The testes are reproductive organs responsible for the production of sperm in males and do not play a role in the mechanical breakdown of fats.

    D) pituitary gland

    - Incorrect: The pituitary gland is a master gland that produces and regulates various hormones but is not involved in the mechanical breakdown of fats.

  • Q #3: A source of roughage in the human diet is supplied by certain

    A. saturated lipids

    B. complete proteins

    C. complex carbohydrates

    D. nucleic acids

    Answer Explanation

    C) complex carbohydrates

    - Correct: Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, are sources of roughage in the human diet. Roughage, also known as dietary fiber, refers to the indigestible portion of plant foods that adds bulk to the stool and promotes healthy digestion. Complex carbohydrates contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and promote overall digestive health.

    A) saturated lipids

    - Incorrect: Saturated lipids, commonly found in animal fats and some plant oils, are not sources of roughage. While they are a component of the diet and provide energy, they do not contribute to the fiber content of the diet.

     

    B) complete proteins

    - Incorrect: Complete proteins, which contain all essential amino acids, are not sources of roughage. Proteins are important for building and repairing tissues, as well as for various physiological functions, but they do not provide dietary fiber.

    D) nucleic acids

    - Incorrect: Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are not sources of roughage. They are essential molecules involved in genetic information transfer and protein synthesis but are not related to the fiber content of the diet.