Which anatomical plane divides the body into right and left halves?

A. Absorbing nutrients:Absorption is the primary function of the small intestine (specifically the jejunum and ileum), where nutrients pass through the villi into the bloodstream.

B. Storing glycogen:Glycogen storage primarily occurs in the liver and skeletal muscles. While the pancreas produces the hormones (insulin/glucagon) that tell these organs to store or release glycogen, the pancreas does not store it itself.

C. Producing bile:Bile production is the specific function of the liver. The gallbladder stores it, and the pancreas has nothing to do with bile production.

D. Secreting digestive enzymes:The pancreas has a crucial exocrine function where it produces "pancreatic juice." This cocktail contains powerful enzymes-amylase (for carbs), lipase (for fats), and proteases (for proteins)-which are released into the small intestine to break down food.

A. Kyphosis; excessive outward curvature:Kyphosis describes an excessive outward curvature (increased thoracic convexity, producing a “hunchback” appearance). This is a curvature abnormality, but it refers specifically to exaggerated thoracic outward curvature. (True statement, but the option names a specific type - see B for lateral curvature.)

B. Scoliosis; lateral curvature:Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral (side-to-side) curvature of the spine and is the correct classification when a practitioner notes a lateral curvature.

C. Lordosis; inward curvature:Lordosis is an excessive inward curvature of the lumbar spine (swayback). It is a curvature abnormality but indicates inward (anterior) curve, not lateral.

D. Osteopenia; reduced bone mass:Osteopenia describes reduced bone mineral density (less severe than osteoporosis) and affects bone strength, not the curvature shape of the spine.