Digestive Anatomy & Physiology Notes

These flashcards cover key terminology related to the digestive anatomy and physiology of animals, particularly focusing on avian and ruminant species.

Salivary Glands

Glands in the mouth that secrete saliva to aid in digestion.

Crop

A storage site in birds that holds food until the digestive tract is ready.

Proventriculus

The glandular stomach in birds that prepares food for digestion.

Gizzard

A mechanical stomach in birds that uses grit to grind food.

Ceca

Blind pouches at the junction of the small and large intestines, involved in fermentation and water re-absorption.

Rumination

The process of chewing cud where ruminants regurgitate, re-chew, and re-swallow their food.

Eructation

The act of burping to expel gases from the rumen.

Reticulum

The first stomach compartment in ruminants, known for its muscular structure that aids in mixing contents.

Rumen

The largest stomach chamber in ruminants, serving as a fermentation vat.

Abomasum

The true stomach of ruminants where acidic and enzymatic digestion occurs.

Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs)

Fatty acids produced by microbial fermentation, essential for energy in ruminants.

Balanced Ration

A diet that contains all the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions for an animal.

Microbial Fermentation

The breakdown of food by microorganisms in the digestive tract, crucial for energy production.

Nutrients

Feed substances necessary for life, including water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Moisture

The amount of water contained in a feed or ration.