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. Primary food Glycogen represents principal carbohydrate reserve Proteins Complex, high molecular weight, large, colloidal molecules that contain a high percentage of amino acids. Important source of nitrogen-primary food Essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesized at all or rapidly enough to permit normal growth. They must be provided in the diet. Non-essential amino acids are those the animal can synthesize.