Digestive Anatomy Lecture 4 - Prehension, Mastication, and Ensalivation in Carnivores

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on prehension, mastication, and ensalivation in carnivores, including anatomical structures and their functions.

What is the Latin origin of the word 'prehension'?

Prehendere, meaning to grasp.

What role does saliva play during mastication in carnivores?

Saliva moistens and lubricates food material, helps in taste, and supports deglutition.

Describe the main structural adaptation for prehension in carnivores.

Carnivores utilize their forelimbs, tips, teeth, and tongue to grasp food.

Which teeth are primarily used by carnivores for mastication?

Carnassial teeth are used for chopping meat, sinew, and bone.

What are the types of salivary glands classified by secretion?

Serous glands, mucous glands, and mixed glands.

What is unique about the zygomatic gland?

It is only found in carnivores and is a mixed gland (predominantly mucous) located ventral to the orbit (of the eye). It opens into the oral cavity caudal to the last upper molar.

Describe the function of the parotid gland in carnivores.

It secretes predominantly serous saliva and has a duct discharging at the parotid papilla (near P4/M1).

What is the primary function of mastication in carnivores?

To cut or grind food into smaller pieces for swallowing.

What type of secretion do mucous glands produce?

A lubricating secretion of mucin.

How many pairs of major salivary glands do carnivores have?

Four major pairs.

What are the roles of the salivary glands in terms of secretion?

To provide lubrication, maintain oral health, and assist in the digestion of carbohydrates.

What enables salivary glands to modify the secretion as it passes through ducts?

The cells lining the intralobular ducts modify the saliva.

What anatomical feature distinguishes the mandibular salivary gland?

It is cylindrical, encapsulated, and palpable, located medial to the angle of the jaw.