1. Name the four chambers in the stomach of ruminants. 2. Fill in the blanks. (a) The cud is stored in one of the chambers called the ______ to pick up the food. (b) Cows use their ______. (c) The process in which the food returns to the mouth from the stomach to be chewed completely is known as ______.
Answer (1)
Ruminants are a group of animals that have a specialized stomach with four compartments, which allows them to break down fibrous plant material more efficiently. These compartments help in the proper digestion of their fibrous diet through a process known as rumination.
Here are the answers to the questions:
Chambers in the stomach of ruminants :
Rumen
Reticulum
Omasum
Abomasum
Fill in the blanks :
(a) The cud is stored in one of the chambers called the reticulum to pick up the food.
(b) Cows use their rumen .
(c) The process in which the food returns to the mouth from the stomach to be chewed completely is known as rumination .
Let's break down the function of each chamber:
Rumen : This is the largest compartment, where microbial fermentation occurs. It acts like a fermentation vat, allowing bacteria and other microorganisms to break down fibrous plant material. The rumen also facilitates the regurgitation of cud, which is then rechewed.
Reticulum : Often referred to as the "honeycomb," it works with the rumen. It catches larger food particles so they can be regurgitated as cud. This chamber is essential for the initial breakdown of the plant material.
Omasum : Known for its many folds, the omasum absorbs water and nutrients from the digested food. This chamber acts to filter the digesta and efficiently extract moisture and minerals.
Abomasum : Often called the "true stomach," the abomasum functions similarly to the human stomach by using stomach acids and enzymes to digest the food further.
Understanding this complex stomach structure helps explain why ruminants, such as cows, goats, and sheep, can efficiently convert grass and other plant materials into energy and nutrients.
