Question
A student is investigating how different body systems work together to maintain homeostasis. The student finds that after eating a meal, the digestive system breaks down food into nutrients, and the circulatory system transports these nutrients to cells.
Which additional body system is directly involved in maintaining homeostasis in this process, and what is its role?
(5 Points)
The nervous system, which directs the movement of food through the digestive tract.
The respiratory system, which absorbs nutrients from the food.
The excretory system, which transports nutrients through the bloodstream.
The integumentary system, which stores nutrients for later use.
Which additional body system is directly involved in maintaining homeostasis in this process, and what is its role?
(5 Points)
The nervous system, which directs the movement of food through the digestive tract.
The respiratory system, which absorbs nutrients from the food.
The excretory system, which transports nutrients through the bloodstream.
The integumentary system, which stores nutrients for later use.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The additional body system that is directly involved in maintaining homeostasis in this process is **the nervous system, which directs the movement of food through the digestive tract**.
The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including digestion. It helps coordinate the contractions of smooth muscles in the digestive tract, ensuring that food is moved efficiently through the system. It also regulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and hormones, which are essential for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
In contrast, the other options listed do not accurately describe a direct role in the process of nutrient absorption and homeostasis after eating a meal:
- **The respiratory system** primarily facilitates the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and does not absorb nutrients from food.
- **The excretory system** is responsible for the removal of waste products from the body, not the transport of nutrients.
- **The integumentary system** (the skin and its associated structures) does not play a direct role in nutrient storage or absorption from the digestive process.
Therefore, the correct answer is the nervous system.
The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including digestion. It helps coordinate the contractions of smooth muscles in the digestive tract, ensuring that food is moved efficiently through the system. It also regulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and hormones, which are essential for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
In contrast, the other options listed do not accurately describe a direct role in the process of nutrient absorption and homeostasis after eating a meal:
- **The respiratory system** primarily facilitates the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and does not absorb nutrients from food.
- **The excretory system** is responsible for the removal of waste products from the body, not the transport of nutrients.
- **The integumentary system** (the skin and its associated structures) does not play a direct role in nutrient storage or absorption from the digestive process.
Therefore, the correct answer is the nervous system.