Free Bachelor of Science: Science of Nutrition Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Food is kept from entering the ____ by the epiglottis.
- Large intestine
- Small intestine
- Airway (Correct answer)
- Stomach
Correct answer: Airway
The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue. During swallowing, it folds down to cover the opening of the larynx (voice box), which leads to the trachea (windpipe or airway). This crucial action prevents food and liquids from entering the respiratory tract and causing choking.
Question 2: When food is broken down, leaving the _____, it moves via the duodenum, the first section of the _____.
- esophagus; stomach
- stomach; small intestine (Correct answer)
- stomach; large intestine
- small intestine; large intestine
Correct answer: stomach; small intestine
After mechanical and chemical digestion in the stomach, the partially digested food, now called chyme, is released into the small intestine. The duodenum is the very first section of the small intestine, where it receives chyme from the stomach and continues the digestive process with the help of bile and pancreatic enzymes. This transition marks a key stage in nutrient absorption.
Question 3: What supports the churning, sphincter opening, and peristalsis of the digestive system?
- The Skeletal system
- Muscles (Correct answer)
- Ligaments
- Tendons
Correct answer: Muscles
The digestive system relies heavily on various types of muscles for its functions. Smooth muscles in the walls of the digestive organs perform peristalsis, rhythmic contractions that propel food along the tract, and churning motions in the stomach. Sphincter muscles, which are specialized circular muscles, control the opening and closing of passages between digestive organs, regulating the flow of food.
Question 4: Being ____ has been linked to developing arthritis.
- Overweight or obese (Correct answer)
- Underweight
- In a healthy weight range
- All of the answers are correct.
Correct answer: Overweight or obese
Being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of developing certain types of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. Excess body weight places greater stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, accelerating cartilage breakdown. Additionally, adipose tissue produces inflammatory chemicals that can contribute to systemic inflammation and worsen arthritis symptoms.
Question 5: Your body uses energy at a pace that is measured in calories and is referred to as .
- hydrostatic weight
- basal metabolic rate (Correct answer)
- body mass index
- waist to hip ratio
Correct answer: basal metabolic rate
The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to perform basic, life-sustaining functions while at rest. These essential functions include breathing, circulation, cell production, and nutrient processing. BMR accounts for the majority of daily calorie expenditure and is a key factor in weight management.
Question 6: Your friend's calorie consumption is less than what his Harris-Benedict equation predicted, according to the registered dietitian. Why does this matter?
- Your friend's body mass index is negative.
- Your friend's body mass index is positive.
- Your friend's caloric balance is negative. (Correct answer)
- Your friend's caloric balance is positive.
Correct answer: Your friend's caloric balance is negative.
The Harris-Benedict equation estimates an individual's basal metabolic rate and total daily energy expenditure, representing the calories needed to maintain weight. If your friend's actual calorie consumption is less than this predicted expenditure, it means they are in a caloric deficit. This negative caloric balance indicates that the body is using more energy than it's taking in, which typically leads to weight loss over time.
Question 7: A person is likely ____ when their kidneys begin to generate very concentrated urine.
- hungry
- dehydrated (Correct answer)
- sleep-deprived
- all the answers are correct
Correct answer: dehydrated
When a person is dehydrated, their body attempts to conserve water to maintain fluid balance. The kidneys play a crucial role in this process by reabsorbing more water back into the bloodstream. This results in the production of highly concentrated urine, which appears darker in color and has a stronger odor, as the body tries to excrete waste products with minimal water loss.
Free Bachelor of Science: Science of Nutrition Questions and Answers
Food is kept from entering the ____ by the epiglottis.