Florida Basic Recruit Training Program High Liability (First Aid) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of the digestive system?

1. Regulate body systems through hormones

2. Ingest and digest food and nutrients

3. Provide a barrier against infections

4. Facilitate reproductive functions

The correct answer is: Ingest and digest food and nutrients

The primary purpose of the digestive system is to ingest and digest food and nutrients. This system is crucial for breaking down food into smaller components that the body can absorb and utilize for energy, growth, and repair. It encompasses a series of organs, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs like the liver and pancreas, each playing a specific role in the digestive process. When food is consumed, the digestive system works to mechanically and chemically break it down, starting with chewing in the mouth and continuing through various enzymes and acids in the stomach and intestines. The ultimate goal is to convert food into molecules small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to cells throughout the body, ensuring that essential nutrients are available for the body's functions. This process is vital for sustaining life and health, making the ingestion and digestion of food and nutrients its primary function.