Terminology
This is the process of breaking feed down into simple substances the body can absorb
What is Digestion?
These organic catalysts speed up the digestive process
What are Enzymes?
This is the first compartment of the ruminant stomach, where microbial fermentation happens
What is Rumen?
This U-shaped structure is the primary site of chemical digestion in monogastrics
What is Stomach?
This structure is used by birds to take in feed since they do not have teeth
What is Beak?
These simple molecules pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream
What is Absorption?
This liquid contains water, mucus, hydrochloric acid, and digestive enzymes
What is Gastric Juice?
This compartment has a honeycomb lining and catches foreign objects
What is Reticulum?
This organ produces bile that helps break down fats
What is the Liver?
This is the “true stomach” of birds where gastric acids and enzymes begin digestion
What is Proventriculus?
These are the building blocks of proteins, essential for growth and maintenance
What are Amino Acids?
These single-celled organisms in the rumen and reticulum help break down roughage
What are Microbes?
This compartment has many layers and squeezes water from roughage
What is Omasum?
In hind-gut fermenters (horses, rabbits), this expanded digestive organ helps break down roughage
What is Cecum?
This muscular organ grinds feed and contains grit or gravel
What is Gizzard?
What do we call the small mass of feed swallowed and moved down the esophagus?
What is a Bolus?
These wave-like involuntary contractions move feed through the digestive tract
What is Peristalsis?
Known as the “true stomach,” this compartment secretes enzymes and gastric juice
What is Abomasum?
This is the main site of nutrient absorption, containing the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum
Birds have two of these “blind pouches” between the small and large intestine
What is Ceca?
This semifluid, acidic mixture leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine
What is Chyme?
These finger-like projections in the small intestine increase nutrient absorption
What are Villi?
This process brings feed back up the esophagus to re-chew it
What is Rumination?
This enzyme found in saliva starts breaking down starch
What is Salivary Amylase?
This part of the avian digestive system is where the digestive and reproductive tracts come together before waste or eggs exit the body
What is Cloaca?