Of the following functions of the digestive system, which function is the responsibility of only one organ?

• A. Absorption.
• B. Propulsion.
• C. Digestion.
• D. Defecation.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the primary functions of the digestive system: ingestion, propulsion, mechanical digestion, chemical digestion, absorption, and defecation.
2. Identify which organs are involved in each function. For example, absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, but other organs also play a role.
3. Consider propulsion, which involves the movement of food through the digestive tract, a process that occurs in multiple organs including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
4. Examine digestion, which involves both mechanical and chemical processes occurring in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine.
5. Recognize that defecation is the process of eliminating waste from the body, a function primarily carried out by the rectum and anus, making it the responsibility of a specific organ system.