Changes

==Histology==

==Histology==

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

[[Image:Rumen Histology Sheep.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Rumen Histology (Sheep) - Copyright RVC 2008]]

*Keratinised stratified squamous epithelium

The rumen has a '''keratinised stratified squamous epithelium'''. It is non-glandular and has no '''lamina muscularis'''.

There are 2 thick layers of '''tunica muscularis''', the inner circular and the outer longitudinal. The interior surface of the rumen forms numerous papillae. The papillae can be long and foliate or short and pointed. They are up to 6mm in length. Animals fed on rough grass or in the dry season have longer papillae, whereas animals fed on digestible feed or in the wet season have shorter papillae (1-2mm in length). There are fewer papillae present dorsally. They increase the surface area for [[Volatile Fatty Acids|volatile fatty acid]] absorption. The upper keratinised layer of papillae also protects the rumen against abrasion. The deeper layers of papillae metabolise the [[Volatile Fatty Acids|volatile fatty acids]].

 

 

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

 

*Interior surface of the rumen forms numerous papillae

**Papillae can be long and foliate

**Papillae can be short and pointed

**Up to 6mm in length

**Animals fed on rough grass or in the dry season have longer papillae

**Animals fed on digestible feed or in the wet season have shorter papillae (1-2mm in length)

**Fewer dorsally

**Increase surface area for [[Volatile Fatty Acids|volatile fatty acid]] absorption

 

*The upper keratinised layer of papillae protects against abrasion

 

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

==Species Differences==

==Species Differences==