Question

Which of the following correctly states the relationship between the digestive system and the liver?

a) The liver produces digestive enzymes
b) The liver stores and releases bile
c) The liver regulates stomach acidity
d) The liver controls nutrient absorption

Answer 1

The liver stores and releases bile, which helps break down fats and reduce acidity in the digestive system. Hence the correct answer is option B

Step-by-step explanation:

The liver plays an important role in the digestive system. It produces and secretes bile, which helps break down fats into smaller molecules that can be digested by enzymes. The bile also reduces the acidity of food entering the small intestine from the stomach. Therefore, the correct answer is b) The liver stores and releases bile.

Answer 2

The liver's role in the digestive system is to b) produce and release bile, which emulsifies fats and neutralizes the stomach's acidity, facilitating the digestion of lipids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The liver is a vital organ in the human body with multifunctional roles, particularly in the digestive system. One of its primary digestive functions is to produce bile, which is critical for the digestion and absorption of fats. Bile acts as an emulsifying agent, breaking down large globules of lipids into smaller ones that can be more readily digested by enzymes. This process facilitates the efficient absorption of fatty substances from our diet.

Additionally, the liver sends bile into the small intestine, specifically the duodenum, where it serves to neutralize the acidity of stomach contents. This creates an optimal environment for the action of digestive enzymes. Notably, the pancreas also contributes to this neutralization by secreting bicarbonate. Knowing the specific role of the liver in this process helps us identify the correct relationship between the liver and the digestive system, which is that the liver stores and releases bile (Option b).