Which is a function of the liver in human adults?

A. manufacturing red blood cells

B. producing chemical compounds known as auxins

C. storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen

D. synthesizing the hormone insulin

Answer Explanation:

C) storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen

- Correct: One of the functions of the liver in human adults is storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in the body. When blood glucose levels are high, such as after a meal, the liver takes up excess glucose and converts it into glycogen for storage. When blood glucose levels drop, such as between meals or during fasting, the liver breaks down glycogen and releases glucose into the bloodstream to maintain blood sugar levels within a normal range.

A) manufacturing red blood cells

- Incorrect: The primary site of red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) in adults is the bone marrow, not the liver. While the liver is involved in the production of blood proteins and components, such as albumin, clotting factors, and plasma proteins, it is not responsible for manufacturing red blood cells.

B) producing chemical compounds known as auxins

- Incorrect: Auxins are a class of plant hormones involved in various physiological processes, such as cell elongation, apical dominance, and root development. They are not produced by the liver in human adults.

D) synthesizing the hormone insulin

- Incorrect: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, not the liver. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production or storage. While the liver responds to insulin by regulating glucose metabolism and storage, it does not synthesize insulin itself.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.

Q #1: In which organ of the human body is urea produced as a result of the breakdown of amino acids?

A. liver

B. pancreas

C. stomach

D. small intestine

Answer Explanation

A) liver

- Correct: Urea is produced in the liver as a result of the breakdown of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and when proteins are metabolized for energy or other purposes, their constituent amino acids are broken down in a process called deamination. During deamination, the amino groups (-NH2) are removed from the amino acids, forming ammonia (NH3). The liver converts ammonia into urea through a series of biochemical reactions known as the urea cycle. Urea is then excreted by the kidneys in the urine, helping to remove nitrogenous waste from the body.

B) pancreas

- Incorrect: The pancreas is an organ involved in the production of digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin and glucagon. It is not primarily responsible for the production of urea from the breakdown of amino acids.

C) stomach

- Incorrect: The stomach is primarily involved in the mechanical and chemical digestion of food, particularly proteins. While protein digestion begins in the stomach with the action of gastric juices containing enzymes such as pepsin, urea production from the breakdown of amino acids occurs mainly in the liver.

D) small intestine

- Incorrect: The small intestine is primarily involved in the absorption of nutrients from digested food, rather than the production of urea from the breakdown of amino acids. While some amino acids may be absorbed in the small intestine, urea production primarily occurs in the liver.
Q #2: Which of these is most associated with villi?

A. haustra

B. lacteals

C. bacterial flora

D. intestinal glands

Answer Explanation

b) lacteals

- Correct: Villi are small, finger-like projections that extend into the lumen of the small intestine, increasing its surface area for absorption. Lacteals are specialized lymphatic vessels located within the villi. They play a crucial role in the absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Lacteals absorb digested fats and fat-soluble nutrients and transport them through the lymphatic system to the bloodstream.

a) haustra

- Incorrect: Haustra are pouches or sacculations formed by the longitudinal muscle of the colon. They are characteristic features of the large intestine, particularly the colon, and are not directly associated with villi.

c) bacterial flora

- Incorrect: Bacterial flora (microbiota) refers to the diverse population of microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract. While they play important roles in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function, they are not specifically associated with villi. They primarily inhabit the large intestine, where they aid in the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates and the production of certain vitamins.

d) intestinal glands

- Incorrect: Intestinal glands, also known as crypts of Lieberkühn or intestinal crypts, are invaginations of the epithelium located between the villi in the mucosa of the small intestine. They contain stem cells that continuously divide to replace the epithelial cells lining the intestine. While they are anatomically close to villi, they are distinct structures responsible for epithelial cell renewal and secretion of intestinal juices, but they are not directly associated with villi.
Q #3: Which is a function of the liver in human adults?

A. manufacturing red blood cells

B. producing chemical compounds known as auxins

C. storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen

D. synthesizing the hormone insulin

Answer Explanation

C) storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen

- Correct: One of the functions of the liver in human adults is storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in the body. When blood glucose levels are high, such as after a meal, the liver takes up excess glucose and converts it into glycogen for storage. When blood glucose levels drop, such as between meals or during fasting, the liver breaks down glycogen and releases glucose into the bloodstream to maintain blood sugar levels within a normal range.

A) manufacturing red blood cells

- Incorrect: The primary site of red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) in adults is the bone marrow, not the liver. While the liver is involved in the production of blood proteins and components, such as albumin, clotting factors, and plasma proteins, it is not responsible for manufacturing red blood cells.

B) producing chemical compounds known as auxins

- Incorrect: Auxins are a class of plant hormones involved in various physiological processes, such as cell elongation, apical dominance, and root development. They are not produced by the liver in human adults.

D) synthesizing the hormone insulin

- Incorrect: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, not the liver. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production or storage. While the liver responds to insulin by regulating glucose metabolism and storage, it does not synthesize insulin itself.

Free Access on TEAS 7 Exams and Study Notes

Access to all TEAS 7 Exams
Performance Tracking and Analysis
Well Documented and Explained Questions and Answers
2000+ Questions and Correct Answers: Answers Well Explained
Libary of Detailed StudyNotes
Topical Questions and Answers on Examinable topics

Join Now

Which is a function of the liver in human adults?

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

Q #1: In which organ of the human body is urea produced as a result of the breakdown of amino acids?

Answer Explanation

Q #2: Which of these is most associated with villi?

Answer Explanation

Q #3: Which is a function of the liver in human adults?

Answer Explanation

Free Access on TEAS 7 Exams and Study Notes

TEAS 7 Exams (Q&A)

TEAS 7 Study Notes

TEAS 7 Topical Tests

TEAS 7 Study Guides

Quick Links

Refer a Friend