Changes

[[Image:Reticulum Histology Sheep.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Reticulum Histology (Sheep) - Copyright RVC 2008]]

[[Image:Reticulum Histology Sheep.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Reticulum Histology (Sheep) - Copyright RVC 2008]]

*Keratinised stratified squamous epithelium

The reticulum has a '''keratinised stratified squamous epithelium''' and no present glands. The reticulum has a honeycomb appearance of short and tall folds, as the mucosal layer is thrown into folds. The folds gradually merge into '''papillae''', where the reticulum meets the rumen. [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology#Types of Papillae|Conical papillae]], also called secondary papillae, are present on folds, providing a rough surface to increase food breakdown.

The '''lamina muscularis''' is present as discrete bands of smooth muscle (not continuous). There are 2 thick layers of '''tunica muscularis''', the inner circular and the outer longitudinal. The upper keratinised layer of the reticulum protects against abrasion and the deeper layers metabolise [[Volatile Fatty Acids|volatile fatty acids]].

 

 

*The folds gradually merge into papillae where the reticulum meets the rumen

 

*Lamina muscularis present as discrete bands of smooth muscle (not continuous)

 

 

*2 thick layers of tunica muscularis- inner circular and outer longitudinal

 

*The upper keratinised layer protects against abrasion

 

*The deeper layers metabolise [[Volatile Fatty Acids|volatile fatty acids]]

==Species Differences==

==Species Differences==