Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The enlarged swelling of the gastrointestinal tract between the oesophagus and duodenum is called the stomach. It is a simple structure in carnivores and a compound structure in ruminants.

The enlarged swelling of the gastrointestinal tract between the [[Oesophagus - Anatomy & Physiology|oesophagus]] and [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] is called the stomach. It is a simple structure in carnivores and a compound structure in ruminants.

The stomach functions as a reservoir of food where digestion occurs through chemical and mechanical processes. This allows food to be broken down further and absorbed.

The stomach functions as a reservoir of food where digestion occurs through chemical and mechanical processes. This allows food to be broken down further and absorbed.

*The larger part of the stomach lies to the left of the midline, under cover from the ribcage and contacts the liver and diaphragm. The [[Oesophagus - Anatomy & Physiology|oesophagus]] opens into it at the cardiac sphincter.

*The larger part of the stomach lies to the left of the midline, under cover from the ribcage and contacts the liver and diaphragm. The [[Oesophagus - Anatomy & Physiology|oesophagus]] opens into it at the cardiac sphincter.

*The smaller part of the stomach has thicker walls and passes to the right of the midline into the duodenum at the pyloric sphincter.

*The smaller part of the stomach has thicker walls and passes to the right of the midline into the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] at the pyloric sphincter.

*The angular point between the two part of the stomach is called the angular notch (incisura)

*The angular point between the two part of the stomach is called the angular notch (incisura)

*Horses have a region called the margo plicatus which separates the glandular and non-glandular parts of the equine stomach. The non-glandular area is lined with squamous epithelium (not columnar).

*Horses have a region called the margo plicatus which separates the glandular and non-glandular parts of the equine stomach. The non-glandular area is lined with squamous epithelium (not columnar).

*The equine stomach is relatively small (10% GIT) with a strong cardiac sphincter which prevents the animal from vomiting. The equine stomach is rarely empty and retention time is short as expulsion into the duodenum stops when feeding stops.

*The equine stomach is relatively small (10% GIT) with a strong cardiac sphincter which prevents the animal from vomiting. The equine stomach is rarely empty and retention time is short as expulsion into the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] stops when feeding stops.

*A 500kg horse can produce 30ml of gastric juice in 24 hours

*A 500kg horse can produce 30ml of gastric juice in 24 hours