Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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Study for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. Dive into questions with detailed explanations and hints to enhance your understanding. Prepare strategically for a successful exam experience!

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Which substance is crucial for lubricating food in the mouth?

Saline
Saliva
Water
Mucus

The correct answer is: Saliva

Saliva is crucial for lubricating food in the mouth as it is a digestive fluid produced by salivary glands. Its primary function is to moisten food, making it easier to chew and swallow. The enzymes present in saliva, such as amylase, begin the process of digestion right in the mouth by breaking down carbohydrates. Additionally, the lubrication provided by saliva aids in the formation of a cohesive bolus, which is essential for effective swallowing and further digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. While saline, water, and mucus play roles in moisture and lubrication within the body, they do not have the specific enzymes or the comprehensive digestive role that saliva does. Water serves primarily as a solvent and hydrates tissue, but does not contain the enzymes necessary for digestion. Mucus offers a protective barrier in various tissues and also provides lubrication, yet it lacks the programming specific to aiding in digestion that saliva possesses. Thus, saliva’s combination of moistening ability and digestive enzymes makes it the essential component for lubricating food in the mouth.