Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which component is crucial for digestion?

1. Insulin

2. Saliva

3. Cortisol

4. Cholecystokinin

The correct answer is: Saliva

Saliva plays a crucial role in the digestion process. It is produced by salivary glands in the mouth and contains enzymes, such as amylase, that begin breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars even before food reaches the stomach. Additionally, saliva helps to moisten food, making it easier to chew and swallow, and contributes to the formation of the food bolus, which is essential for a smooth transition to the esophagus for further digestion. While other components listed, such as insulin and cortisol, have significant roles in metabolism and the body's overall functions, they do not directly participate in the digestive process itself. Cholecystokinin is involved in stimulating digestion of fat and protein, as well as promoting the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas, but it acts further along in the digestive system after initial digestion has started with saliva. Therefore, saliva is foundational for initiating digestion, highlighting its critical function in this process.