In ruminants bacterial and protozoal cells are digested here. Food requiring further digestion by fermentation enters or is diverted into the cecum unless it is developed poorly as in the dog. The colon continues from the cecum to its termination at the Anus. Salivary glands are serous, mucous or mixed depending on secretion Blood vessels and nerves enter each gland where ducts exit Innervation is sympathetic and parasympathetic Pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine function Always located near the first part of the duodenum appears as elongated gland of loosely connected nodules Main pancreatic duct enters duodenum near common bile duct. In ruminants it tends to be on the right side Lobules of the liver are clearly demarcated Liver receives arterial blood through hepatic artery and venous blood through portal vein.
Portal vein drains stomach, spleen, pancreas and intestines.
A bolus of food is formed by the mastication process. Some degree of conciousness is required because activity is voluntary inhaling food and vomitus is possible when unconcious Smooth Muscle Activity Once food has reached the stomach its movement is controlled by activity of the smooth muscle of the stomach and intestine. Muscle activity is spontaneous and controlled by autonomic nervous system. Peristaltic waves travel longer distances and usually move in an arboreal direction. An important intrinsic reflex for the small intestine is the peristaltic reflex.