Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

What is the primary role of the liver in digestion?

1. Produce bile for fat digestion

2. Absorb nutrients from food

3. Store water for bodily functions

4. Transport proteins to the blood

The correct answer is: Produce bile for fat digestion

The primary role of the liver in digestion is to produce bile, which is essential for the digestion and absorption of fats. Bile contains bile salts that emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets. This process increases the surface area for enzymes, such as lipases, to act on the fat molecules and aids in their digestion. While the liver is involved in various crucial functions, such as synthesizing proteins and metabolizing carbohydrates, its production of bile is specifically tied to the digestive process. The liver also processes the nutrients absorbed from the intestines, but it does not absorb them directly. Instead, nutrients are primarily absorbed by the small intestine and then transported to the liver for further processing. Thus, the liver's role in producing bile is essential for effective fat digestion and overall nutrient absorption in the digestive system.