BLOAT & FORESTOMACH
This condition is defined as overdistension of the rumen and reticulum due to gas produced during fermentation.
Ruminal tympany (bloat)
Largest organ in the body located between diaphragm and stomach.
Liver
Primary functional cell of the liver.
Hepatocyte
Name the three parts of the small intestine.
Duodenum, jejunum, ileum
Main digestive enzymes produced by pancreas (3 types).
Amylase, lipase, proteases
A cow switched to lush alfalfa develops rumen distention due to stable foam formation blocking the cardia.
Primary (frothy) bloat
What is the main function of bile in digestion?
Emulsification of fats
Blood-filled channels between hepatocyte cords.
Sinusoids
Which segment is the MOST fixed and attached to the body wall?
Duodenum
Hormones that regulate pancreatic secretion.
CCK and secretin
Explain WHY foam prevents eructation in frothy bloat.
Foam traps gas and physically blocks the cardia, preventing gas escape
This structure is the entry point on the liver where the portal vein, hepatic artery, bile duct, nerves, and lymphatics all enter.
Hilus (porta hepatis)
Space between hepatocytes and endothelial cells where stellate (Ito) cells reside.
Space of Disse
What is the primary function of the small intestine?
Digestion and absorption of nutrients
Which structure carries nutrient-rich blood from intestines to liver?
Hepatic portal vein
A cow presents with distended left paralumbar fossa and dyspnea. What is the cause of death?
Compression of diaphragm → restrictive lung disease + decreased venous return
A drug has high first-pass metabolism. Which liver function explains this?
Drug metabolism via enzymatic detoxification
An animal with chronic starvation shows hepatocytes filled with lipid. What cellular change is this?
Lipid accumulation (hepatic lipidosis)
A blockage occurs at the major duodenal papilla. What two secretions are affected?
Bile and pancreatic enzymes
A dog with pancreatic duct obstruction will have impaired digestion of which macronutrients MOST?
Fats (due to lack of lipase + bile interaction)
A cow has vagal nerve damage → chronic rumen distension. What type of bloat and mechanism?
Secondary tympany due to functional failure of eructation (vagal indigestion)
Blood enters the liver via two major vessels—name both.
Hepatic portal vein and hepatic artery
Describe the arrangement of hepatocytes within the liver.
Radiating cords around central vein separated by sinusoids
What distinguishes ileum from jejunum anatomically?
Ileum has thicker wall and antimesenteric blood vessels
Explain how liver + pancreas + small intestine work together in fat digestion.