Difference between revisions of "Gizzard - Anatomy & Physiology"
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The gizzard is also referred to as the muscular stomach. It is connected by the isthmus to the [[The Proventriculus - Anatomy & Physiology|proventriculus]] and to the duodenum. | The gizzard is also referred to as the muscular stomach. It is connected by the isthmus to the [[The Proventriculus - Anatomy & Physiology|proventriculus]] and to the duodenum. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Structure and Function== |
[[Image:Gizzard Anatomy.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Gizzard Anatomy - RVC 2008]] | [[Image:Gizzard Anatomy.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Gizzard Anatomy - RVC 2008]] | ||
Revision as of 15:03, 7 July 2008
Introduction
The gizzard is also referred to as the muscular stomach. It is connected by the isthmus to the proventriculus and to the duodenum.
Structure and Function
- Mechanical reduction of tougher material through powerful muscular development
- Contacts the liver
- Contacts the sternum and lower left abdominal wall
- More caudal than the proventriculus
- Roughly on the midline of the bird
- Lens shaped
- Interior elongated by cranial and caudal blind sacs
- Cranial blind sac contacts proventriculus
- Pylorus on right surface next to cranial blind sac
- Two thick masses of muscle that insert on tendonous surfaces
- In seed eating birds grit is digested to increase grinding down of food particles
Histology
- Thin, but tough mucous membrane
- Cuboidal epithelium
- Tubular glands
- Cuticle of koilin a carbohydrate complex is present due to the solidifying of the glandular secretion. It is replenished as it is worn down.
- Thick keratin layer to protect muscle
Species Diffences
- No gizzard in falconiformes (raptors etc.)
- No gizzard in stringiformes (owls etc.)
Other Information
- Grit should be provided in seed eating birds diet. It is radiodense and marks out where the gizzard is located on radiographs.