The accessory glands of the digestive system include all of the following, except:
A. the liver
B. the pancreas
C. the spleen
D. the salivary glands
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: C. the spleen
Explanation:
The accessory glands of the digestive system are organs that assist in the process of digestion but are not part of the direct passageway of food (alimentary canal). These glands produce and secrete substances such as enzymes, hormones, and bile that aid in breaking down food into nutrients the body can absorb.
1. Liver:
The liver is a vital accessory organ of the digestive system. It produces bile, which is essential for emulsifying fats in the small intestine. Bile produced in the liver is stored in the gallbladder and released into the duodenum during digestion.
2. Pancreas:
The pancreas serves both endocrine and exocrine functions. Its exocrine function plays a major role in digestion by releasing pancreatic juices containing digestive enzymes (like amylase, lipase, and proteases) into the small intestine. These enzymes help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
3. Salivary Glands:
Salivary glands (including the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands) are located in the oral cavity and secrete saliva. Saliva contains enzymes such as salivary amylase that begin the chemical digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. They also help moisten food to facilitate swallowing.
4. Spleen (Not an accessory digestive gland):
The spleen is part of the lymphatic and immune systems, not the digestive system. It functions primarily in filtering blood, recycling old red blood cells, and storing white blood cells and platelets. It does not produce any substances that aid in digestion nor does it interact with the digestive tract directly.
Conclusion:
Among the listed organs, the spleen is not considered an accessory gland of the digestive system. It plays no role in digestion, whereas the liver, pancreas, and salivary glands are directly involved in the production of digestive secretions.
