Avian Digestive Tract

Ruminates

DIGESTIVE TRACT

CONNECTIONS

Salivary Glands

SALIVA

• Secreted by epithelial cells of three glands

• Contains AMYLASE (starch hydrolyzing) and LYSOZYME (antibacterial)

• Used for lubrication, cooling, solvent and buffer

• Sialorrhea = excess production

Esophagus & Peristalsis

STOMACH

• Initial site of protein hydrolysis/digestion

• Primary site of mechanical digestion via rumination

• Absorption of water and alcohol

STOMACH SECRETIONS

• Site of initial protein hydrolysis

• Controlled by multiple factors including sight, smell, taste of food as well as distention of fundus

• HCl provides optimal pH for enzymes like Pepsin

DUODENUM

• First section of small intestine

• Drastic rise in pH due to addition of bile salts

• Receives secretions of pancreas

• Most common site of ulcers (5cm from pylorus)

BILE SALTS

• Inorganic salts produced by liver

• Used to emulsify (increase surface area) of lipids/fats

• Stored temporarily in Gall Bladder

• Enters Duodenum via Common Bile Duct

PANCREATIC JUICE

• Contains Trypsin (protein hydrolyzing), Lipase (lipid hydrolyzing), Nuclease (DNA-RNA hydrolyzing) and Amylase (carbohydrate hydrolyzing)

• pH must be Alkaline (8) so pancreas secretes bicarbonate (NaHC03)

SMALL INTESTINE

• Jejunum (8ft)• Ileum (12ft)• Site of absorption and

chemical digestion

INTESTINAL JUICE

• Contains aminopeptidase (protein hydrolyzing), sucrase, maltase and lactase (carbohydrate hydrolyzing)

• High surface area of small intestine (200 m2) assists in secretion and absorption

VILLI

• Small (1mm) projections of small intestine that drastically increase surface area of small intestine

• Cells lining villi die and are consumed!

• Contain capillaries for transport of material

• Contain lacteals to transport fats

Vermiform Appendix

COLON

COLON

• Involved in synthesis of Vitamin K– Assists clotting– Assists conversion of

glucose to glycogen in the liver

COLONOSCOPY