ANATOMY Flashcards
Used for pecking and picking up food; lacks teeth, so it helps break food into smaller pieces.
Beak
A muscular tube that transports food from the beak to the crop and then to the proventriculus.
Esophagus
A storage pouch that temporarily holds and softens food before digestion.
Crop
The “true stomach” where digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid begin breaking down food.
Proventriculus
muscular organ that grinds food into smaller particles using small stones or grit swallowed by the bird
Gizzard
Produces bile for fat digestion, stores nutrients, detoxifies harmful substances, and supports metabolism.
Liver
Stores bile from the liver and releases it into the small intestine for fat digestion.
Gall Bladder
A digestive fluid that helps break down fats into smaller molecules for absorption.
Bile
Produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin, which regulates blood sugar.
Pancreas
The primary site for nutrient absorption into the bloodstream.
Small Intestine –
Two small pouches at the junction of the small and large intestine that aid in fiber digestion and fermentation of undigested food.
Ceca/Cecum
The first section of the small intestine where bile and pancreatic enzymes help break down nutrients.
Duodenum
Absorbs water and electrolytes, preparing waste for excretion.
Large Intestine
Filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and helps with immune function.
Spleen
The common exit point for feces, urine, and eggs (in females).
Cloaca
