Animal Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

What is the name of the four-chambered stomach compartment in ruminants where most protein and starch digestion occurs?

Answer: Abomasum

The abomasum is the 'true stomach' of ruminants where gastric acid and enzymes digest proteins and starches like in monogastric animals.

In poultry anatomy, what is the function of the crop?

Answer: Temporarily storing and softening ingested food

The crop is an expandable pouch in the esophagus of birds that stores food and softens it with moisture before it passes to the stomach.

Which component of blood plasma is primarily responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure?

Answer: Albumin

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and is the primary contributor to colloid osmotic pressure that keeps fluid in the bloodstream.

What is the term for the junction between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber?

Answer: Neuromuscular junction

The neuromuscular junction is the specialized synapse where a motor neuron releases acetylcholine to trigger muscle contraction.

In large animal anatomy, what is the 'dewclaw' and where is it located?

Answer: A vestigial toe found on the caudal aspect of the lower limb

The dewclaw is a vestigial digit located on the caudal aspect of the lower leg, above the main hooves in cattle and other species.

Which hormone produced by the thyroid gland regulates the basal metabolic rate in animals?

Answer: Thyroxine (T4)

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) produced by the thyroid gland are the primary regulators of basal metabolic rate in mammals.

In the context of animal respiration, what does the term 'tidal volume' refer to?

Answer: The volume of air inhaled or exhaled in a single normal breath

Tidal volume is the amount of air moved into or out of the lungs during a single normal, relaxed breath cycle.