Unit 3A: The Avian Digestive System

Question 1

Briefly explain the structure and function of the crop in birds

Answer 1

Structure: out-pocketing of esophagus on outside of body
Function: temporary storage of food and water, receptors trigger feeding when crop empty, allows for larger intake of food and water

Question 2

What’s a possible problem involving the crop in birds?

Answer 2

Crop Impaction

• occurs after longer periods without food, free range feeding
• food can’t move past crop
• no known effective treatment

Question 3

What is the proventriculus in the avian digestive system?

Answer 3

• true stomach
• continuation from esophagus
• where digestion begins -> pepsin, HCl secretion

Question 4

What is the gizzard/ventriculus in the avian digestive system?

Answer 4

• mechanical stomach in birds

- 2 sets of strong muscles that act as birds teeth to mechanically break down food

Question 5

What part of the bird/avian digestive system is affected by consuming small, sharp objects? What would happen?

Answer 5

• gizzard/ventriculus
• objects can pierce gizzard lining and make holes
• will result in bird growing thin and death

Question 6

Briefly describe the structure and function of the ceca

Answer 6

Structure: 2 pouches that join small and large intestine
Function: water absorption, fermentation (production of fatty acids and B vitamins), empties 2-3x a day