Question

which are the functions of the digestive system?select all that apply.
a ingest food
b digest food into molecules that can cross plasma membranes
c absorb nutrients
d eliminate nondigestible wastes
e remove wastes from body tissues
f deliver nutrients to body tissues

Explanation:

• Option A: The digestive system starts with ingesting food (e.g., eating), so this is a function.
• Option B: Digestion breaks food into small molecules (like monosaccharides, amino acids) that can cross cell membranes for absorption, so this is a function.
• Option C: After digestion, the digestive system (e.g., small intestine) absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream, so this is a function.
• Option D: The large intestine eliminates undigested wastes (like fiber) as feces, so this is a function.
• Option E: Removing wastes from body tissues is the job of the excretory system (e.g., kidneys), not the digestive system.
• Option F: Delivering nutrients to body tissues is done by the circulatory system (bloodstream), not the digestive system.

Answer:

A. Ingest food, B. Digest food into molecules that can cross plasma membranes, C. Absorb nutrients, D. Eliminate nondigestible wastes