Which of the following is the function of the lacrimal gland?

A. The production of breast milk is the function of the mammary glands, not the lacrimal gland.

B. The production of saliva is the function of the salivary glands, not the lacrimal gland.

C. The secretion of cerumen (earwax) is the function of the ceruminous glands, not the lacrimal gland.

D. The lacrimal glands are responsible for the secretion of tears, which help to lubricate and protect the surface of the eyes. This is the correct answer.

A. The kidneys do not play a role in the chemical breakdown of protein. Their primary function is filtration and regulation of blood composition.

B. The mouth is where mechanical digestion (chewing) occurs, but chemical digestion of proteins does not begin there. Enzymes like amylase break down carbohydrates, not proteins.

C. The stomach is where protein digestion begins. The enzyme pepsin, activated by stomach acid (HCl), starts breaking down proteins into smaller peptides. This is the correct answer.

D. The small intestine continues the digestion of proteins, but the initial breakdown occurs in the stomach. The pancreas also releases digestive enzymes, including trypsin, to further digest proteins in the small intestine.