HMS, BM EQ-Bank 891 MC

A tennis player becomes dehydrated during a five-set match on a hot day. How do the digestive, endocrine, and circulatory systems interact in response to this physiological challenge?

The digestive system increases nutrient absorption, the endocrine system decreases water-conserving hormones, and the circulatory system redistributes blood to the skin
The digestive system reduces water absorption, the endocrine system increases water-conserving hormones, and the circulatory system reduces blood flow to working muscles
The digestive system slows peristalsis, the endocrine system increases cortisol production, and the circulatory system increases blood flow to the digestive tract
The digestive system reduces peristalsis, the endocrine system increases water-conserving hormones, and the circulatory system redirects blood flow to vital organs

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\(D\)

Show Worked Solution

D is correct: During dehydration, digestion slows to conserve water, hormones help retain water, and blood flow prioritises vital organs.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Water-conserving hormones increase (not decrease) during dehydration, and blood flow is redirected away from the skin to vital organs.
B is incorrect: The digestive system would attempt to maximise (not reduce) water absorption during dehydration.
C is incorrect: Blood flow to the digestive tract is reduced (not increased) during dehydration as the body prioritises vital organs.