Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

What is the role of the mucosa?

1. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream

2. To regulate food intake

3. To produce digestive enzymes

4. To transport food through the digestive system

The correct answer is: To produce digestive enzymes

The mucosa plays a key role in the digestive system, primarily in nutrient absorption. It lines the gastrointestinal tract and is designed to facilitate the absorption of nutrients and water from the food as it passes through. The mucosal layer contains specialized cells that are responsible for this absorption process. While it is true that the mucosa does produce some substances that aid in digestion, its main function is related to the absorption of nutrients rather than the production of digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are primarily produced by the pancreas and salivary glands, and although some enzymes can be secreted by mucosal cells, this is not the core function attributed to the mucosa itself. The regulation of food intake is managed by a complex interplay of hormones and signals processed by the brain and other organs, rather than by the mucosa. Similarly, the transportation of food through the digestive system is accomplished by muscular contractions known as peristalsis, which occur in the muscular layer of the gastrointestinal tract, not directly by the mucosal layer. In summary, the primary role of the mucosa is to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, which supports overall health and energy levels.