Question

The body system responsible for processing food, absorbing nutrients, and expelling wastes is the _______. a. cardiovascular system b. en docrine system c. muscular sy stem d. digestive system

Short answer

Answer: The digestive system. Explanation: The digestive system handles the processing of food, absorption of nutrients, and expulsion of waste. Its organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus, with glands such as the liver, pancreas, and salivary glands aiding in digestion. The other systems (cardiovascular, endocrine, and muscular) are not directly involved in food processing, nutrient absorption, and waste expulsion.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the correct body system

The body system responsible for processing food, absorbing nutrients, and expelling wastes is the digestive system.

Explain the choice of the digestive system

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and expelling waste. Its organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus, with glands such as the liver, pancreas, and salivary glands aiding in the process of digestion. The other systems, though vital for overall bodily function, do not directly handle food processing, nutrient absorption, and waste expulsion. To provide context for the other body systems: a. The cardiovascular system is responsible for circulating blood, transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. b. The endocrine system is responsible for releasing hormones to regulate multiple processes in the body, such as growth, metabolism, and reproductive function. c. The muscular system is responsible for body movement, support, and heat generation through muscle contraction.

Key concepts

Nutrient Absorption

Nutrient absorption is a critical function of the digestive system, essential for maintaining our body’s health and energy. After food enters the digestive system, it undergoes a process of breakdown starting in the mouth and continuing through the stomach and intestines. The small intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption. Here, the inner walls are lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi.

Villi increase the surface area, allowing for greater absorption of nutrients. Through these structures, nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids get into the bloodstream.

• Glucose is absorbed for energy and blood sugar regulation.
• Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins, aiding in tissue repair and growth.
• Fatty acids are crucial for energy storage and hormone production.

This meticulous process ensures that our bodies receive the essential nutrients needed to function properly.

Waste Expulsion

Waste expulsion is the final phase of the digestive process. After the nutrients are absorbed, what remains are waste products that need to be removed from the body. This process occurs mainly in the large intestine. Here, water and minerals are absorbed into the bloodstream, leaving behind solid waste.

The large intestine compacts this waste, eventually pushing it toward the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled through the anus.

• This expulsion is vital in preventing the build-up of toxic substances in the body.
• Regular waste expulsion indicates a healthy digestive process.

By effectively eliminating waste, the body maintains a balance of water and nutrients, contributing to overall health.

Body Systems

Body systems work in harmony to keep us alive and functioning well. Each system has its specific role but is intricately connected to others. The digestive system plays a crucial part by breaking down food and making nutrients available for absorption, which supports other body functions.

Aside from digestion, let's briefly explore how other systems complement or differ from it:

• The cardiovascular system transports absorbed nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
• The endocrine system regulates energy use and hormonal balance, impacting digestion indirectly.
• The muscular system helps in the movement of food through the digestive tract via peristalsis, which is muscle contraction.

Each of these systems requires the nutrients processed and absorbed through the digestive system, highlighting the interconnectedness of the body's functions. Understanding these connections enriches our comprehension of how our bodies operate holistically.