Question

The liver is the first stop for most absorbed nutrients where these are a. assimilated b. returned to the digestive tract c. shuttled through without being altered d. all of the above

Answer 1

The liver is the first stop for most absorbed nutrients, where they are assimilated, returned to the digestive tract, or shuttled through without being altered.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is d. all of the above.

When nutrients are absorbed from the digestive tract, they are first transported to the liver through the hepatic portal vein. In the liver, these nutrients undergo various processes:

1. Assimilation: Some nutrients, like glucose and amino acids, are assimilated into the liver cells and used for energy production or stored for later use.
2. Return to the digestive tract: Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, are packaged into special carriers called chylomicrons and released into the bloodstream. These chylomicrons eventually reach the digestive tract and are reabsorbed through the lymphatic system.
3. Shuttled through without being altered: Other absorbed nutrients, like water-soluble vitamins (C and B vitamins) and minerals, are directly released into the bloodstream without significant alteration in the liver.

Therefore, the liver serves as the first stop for most absorbed nutrients, where they are either assimilated, returned to the digestive tract, or shuttled through without being altered.

Learn more about functions of the liver