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Alimentary System - Horse Anatomy (view source)
Revision as of 16:40, 8 November 2012
, 16:40, 8 November 2012→Stomach
==Stomach==
==Stomach==
[[Image:Margo Plicatus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Equine Stomach with Margo Plicatus - Copyright RVC 2008]]
[[Image:Margo Plicatus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Equine Stomach with Margo Plicatus - Copyright RVC 2008]]
A region called the '''margo plicatus''' is present which separates the glandular and non-glandular parts of the equine stomach. The non-glandular area is lined with squamous epithelium (not columnar).
The horse has a monogastric stomach located on the left side of the abdomen. A region called the '''margo plicatus''' is present which separates the glandular and non-glandular parts of the equine stomach. The non-glandular area is lined with squamous epithelium (not columnar).
The stomach is relatively small (10% GIT) and its capacity is 8-16 litres. The equine stomach is rarely empty, retention time is short and expulsion into the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] stops when feeding stops. Although fluid exits quickly, feed particles can be retained for more than 48 hours as digestion is initiated in the stomach. A 500kg horse can produce 30 litres of gastric juice in 24 hours. The strong '''cardiac sphincter''' allows movement of gas and fluid into the stomach, but not out of it. This prevents the animal from [[Vomiting|vomiting]]. Therefore, any disorder that results in aboral fluid movement from the small intestine results in fluid accumulation in the stomach (gastric reflux), dilation and eventually gastric rupture if left untreated.
==Small Intestine==
==Small Intestine==