Ruminant Digestive System

Question 1

Divided into four chambers

Answer 1

Reticulum
Rumen
Omasum
Abomasum

Question 2

Reticulorumen

Answer 2

• Contains the reticulum and rumen
• Contents of the stomach may freely move between the reticulum and rumen
• Does not contain any digestive enzymes
• Catabolism is carried out by the digestive flora via fermentation

Question 3

Reticulum

Answer 3

easily identified by its honeycomb-like appearance which makes up the inner lining mucosa

Question 4

Omasum

Answer 4

Not present in all ruminants
Next chamber after the reticulorumen
Easily identified by the many leaflets that make up the folds of the mucosa that increase surface area for absorption

Question 5

Omasum function

Answer 5

Absorb water and salts

Question 6

Abomasum

Answer 6

Terminal chamber
Considered the “true stomach”
Gastric motility is continuous through the abomasum

Question 7

Rumination

Answer 7

When ingested contents leave the reticulorumen and re-enter the oral cavity
Allowing for more chewing and salivary depositing

Question 8

Eructation

Answer 8

Equivalent of burping

Cellulose breaking down via fermentation produce a high amount of carbon dioxide and methane