Monogastric and Hindgut fermenters

• What is the process of mechanical digestion?


  Physically broken down by the teeth
• What is the process of chemical digestion?

  Broken down into smaller molecules by enzymes, acid, and bile
• Where does absorption occur in the digestive system?


  In the intestines
• What is the purpose of defecation?


  Getting rid of waste through the anus
• What are the main organs involved in monogastric digestion?


  • Oral Cavity (tongue, teeth, salivary glands)
  • Oesophagus
  • Stomach (single-chambered)
  • Small Intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum)
  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Large Intestine (colon, caecum, rectum)
  • Anus
• What characterizes monogastric digestion?


  Animal has a single-compartmented stomach
• What is the role of teeth in digestion?


  They mechanically break down food in the mouth
• What enzyme is found in saliva that starts chemical digestion?


  Amylase
• How does food travel down the oesophagus?


  Via peristalsis (muscular contractions)
• What substances are added to food in the stomach?

  Hydrochloric acid and enzymes
• What happens to food in the duodenum?


  It mixes with bile which emulsifies fats and enzymes from the pancreas
• Where are nutrients absorbed in the small intestine?

  In the jejunum and ileum
• How is water absorbed in the large intestine?

  Through villi (finger-like projections)
• What is the purpose of villi in the large intestine?


  To provide a large surface area and a network of capillaries for efficient absorption
• How do hindgut fermenters adapt to digest high-fiber plant material?


  • Digest the majority of their food in the caecum
  • Microbes digest/ferment food
• What are examples of hindgut fermenters?


  Rabbits and horses
• What are the key differences between monogastric and hindgut fermenters?


  • Monogastric: single-compartment stomach, digest food primarily in the stomach and small intestine
  • Hindgut fermenters: digest food in the caecum, rely on microbial fermentation