Introduction to Veterinary Science (3rd Edition) Chapter 7: The Digestive System Review Questions

True or False: The stomach is responsible for most of the absorption in the digestive tract

False

What is the role of the pancreas?

regulate the process of energy storage, release digestive enzymes, and maintain blood sugar levels

What organ absorbs a majority of digested nutrients?

small intestine

Describe the role of the large intestine

To absorb water and electrolytes from the feces

Compare and contrast papillae and villi

Villi are tiny fingerlike projections that increase surface area and aid in absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract. Papillae are are tiny fingerlike projections that increase surface area and aid in nutrient absorption in the rumen (in ruminant animals).

True or false: Cows can produce 200-400 liters of saliva

False (100-200)

How does eructation aid in digestion?

It gets rid of the gas build up in animals. Specifically in ruminants, there is a lot of bacteria in their stomach, when the bacteria fermentate the animal's food they produce a lot of gas as a by-product, and the only way to get rid of it is by eructation.

What structure lines the entire abdominal cavity?

peritoneum

True or false: Horses and cattle conduct prehension in the same manner

False

What substance can be provided to pets to aid in taking radiographs of the digestive tract?

barium

Describe the three layers of the components in the rumen

The reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The reticulum is shaped like a honey comb, its job is to trap any heavy objects ingested into the digestive tract. The omasum prevents large particles from passing, and absorbs water, electrolytes, and nutrients. The abomasum contains acid and enzyme secretions and acts just like a monogastric stomach. This stomach begins the digestion of all materials that are not indigestible plant fiber.

True or false: Ruminants have four stomach compartments that all have similar functions

False

What is the role of bile in digestion? What would be the result if it did not do its job?

To emulsify fat. Fat would not be properly broken down, bilirubin would stay in blood and not be soluble, and the small intestine would be able to break down certain foods.

The incisors of cattle, sheep, and goats push against what part of the ruminant's mouth?

dental pad

What levels are checked to identify liver damage?

bile acid, protein, enzyme, glucose, iron, and bilirubin

Describe why the stomach of animals is acidic

The stomach is acidic in order to help with the breaking down of food. The acid helps to break down food further then just chewing it up.

Why are German shepherds often observed to be thin dogs with large appetites?

Because they often have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This means that they don't produce adequate amounts of pancreatic enzymes resulting in incomplete digestion.

Which stomach compartment in ruminants is considered to be the true stomach?

abomasum

True or false: looking at the teeth of a horse can help to identify its age

True

What structure covers the opening of the larynx?

epiglottis

NPO (veterinary lingo) means

nothing by mouth

Give two examples of how the digestive tract is protected from the high acid content of the stomach

Mucus secretion that coats the epithelial cells in the stomach, and the epithelial cells have a tight cell junction that does not allow stomach contents to penetrate the cells.

Name two monogastrics mentioned in this text

dogs and cats

Describe the process of digestion in monogastrics

The mouth obtains food, saliva mixes with the food, food is swallowed and passes through the esophagus and into the stomach. From there the stomach pulls out water, electrolytes, and sugars, then the food leaves through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum. This is where ducts from the pancreas and liver enter and secrete digestive enzymes. Then the food moves to the small intestine where most nutrients is absorbed into the body, then to the large intestine where water and electrolytes are absorbed. Finally the fecal matter fills the rectum and a series of voluntary and involuntary contractions excrete the waste from the animal.