Digestive Physiology Flashcards
What is a ruminant?
A herbivore that can digest cellulose through chewing the cud and possessing a four chambered stomach
What are the four parts to a ruminant stomach?
Rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum
What are the three volatile fatty acids that provide herbivore’s with sufficient energy?
Acetic, Propionic and Butyric acids
What is the role of the rumen?
Large storage vat and the site of most anaerobic fermentation of cellulose. Diverse micro flora.
What is the role of the reticulum?
Sorting compartment with hexagonal stomach lining which traps large particles and sends digestible parts to the omasum
What is the role of the omasum?
May function to absorb VFA’s and water through the omasal leaves.
What is the role of the abomasum?
True, glandular stomach which secretes acid and digests particles further.
What type of tissue is the rumen lined with?
Stratified squamous - performs efficient absorption
What are the three main structures of the hepatic system?
- Hepatic vascular system
- Biliary tree
- Hepatocytes
How much bile does a human produce daily?
400-800ml
