Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions related questions and content

What role do the teeth play in digestion?

  • A. chemical digestion
  • B. mechanical digestion
  • C. enzymatic digestion
  • D. absorption
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: mechanical digestion. Teeth play a crucial role in breaking down food into smaller pieces through physical chewing, which is a form of mechanical digestion. This process increases the surface area of food particles, making it easier for enzymes to further break down nutrients during chemical digestion in the stomach and intestines. Choice A (chemical digestion) is incorrect because teeth do not directly participate in chemical breakdown of food. Choice C (enzymatic digestion) is incorrect as enzymes are not produced by teeth but by salivary glands and other digestive organs. Choice D (absorption) is incorrect as teeth are not involved in absorbing nutrients; absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine.