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→Oesophagus, stomach and intestines
==Oesophagus, stomach and intestines==
==Oesophagus, stomach and intestines==
The oesophagus is distensible to accommodate relatively large prey (for a list of diets, see [[Snake Diet|snake feeding]]. The cranial oesophagus is thinly muscled. At the level of the [[Snake Cardiovascular System|heart]], the oesophagus passes through the vascular ring formed by the left and right aortae. It possesses longitudinal folds and is covered with a columnar ciliated epithelium. The oesophagus terminates as the [[Snake Cardiovascular System|cardiac sphincter]]. The thick-walled, spindle-shaped stomach is muscular and distensible. The small intestine is relatively uncoiled but has several short transverse loops tightly enveloped by dorsal mesentery. It empties into the colon that may store faeces. The large intestine is relatively wide and is separated from the cloaca by a distinct fold. A small caecum projects from the proximal colon in Boidae.
The oesophagus is distensible to accommodate relatively large prey (for a list of diets, see [[Snake Diet|snake feeding]]. The cranial oesophagus is thinly muscled. At the level of the [[Snake Cardiovascular System|heart]], the oesophagus passes through the vascular ring formed by the left and right aortae. It possesses longitudinal folds and is covered with a columnar ciliated epithelium. The oesophagus terminates as the [[Snake Cardiovascular System|cardiac sphincter]]. The thick-walled, spindle-shaped stomach is muscular and distensible. The small intestine is relatively uncoiled but has several short transverse loops tightly enveloped by dorsal mesentery. It empties into the colon that may store faeces. The large intestine is relatively wide and is separated from the cloaca by a distinct fold. A small caecum projects from the proximal colon in Boidae.
* For information on snake digestion, [[Snake Digestion|see here]].
* For more information on snake digestion, see [[Snake Digestion|snake digestion]].
* Learn about excretion [[Lizard and Snake Excretion|here]].
* Learn about snake excretion [[Lizard and Snake Excretion|here]].
==Liver, pancreas and gall bladder==
==Liver, pancreas and gall bladder==
[[Image:Bumese_python_liver_+_seosa-sheath_+_fat_tissue2.jpg|180px|thumb|right|'''Liver and fat body of a [[Burmese Python|Burmese python]]''' - (Copyright © RVC)]]
[[Image:Bumese_python_liver_+_seosa-sheath_+_fat_tissue2.jpg|180px|thumb|right|'''Liver and fat body of a [[Burmese Python|Burmese python]]''' - (Copyright © RVC)]]