Which of these ruminant compartments absorbs water and acts as a filter for the next compartment?
A. omasum
B. abomasum
C. reticulum
D. rumen
A. omasum
The compartment of a ruminant that absorbs water and acts as a filter for the next compartment is the omasum.
The ruminant compartment that absorbs water and acts as a filter for the next compartment is the omasum. To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the functions of the different compartments of a ruminant's digestive system.
Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, have a specialized digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from plant material. The main compartments of their digestive system are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.
The rumen is the largest compartment, where microbial fermentation of food takes place. It contains bacteria and other microorganisms that break down complex carbohydrates in the feed into simpler compounds that the ruminant can digest.
The reticulum is a small compartment that works in conjunction with the rumen. It acts as a mixing chamber, helping to move and sort the fermented material.
The omasum is the third compartment, located after the reticulum and before the abomasum. It primarily functions to absorb water from the partially fermented food material. Additionally, the omasum acts as a filter, allowing only the smaller particles to pass to the next compartment while retaining larger, undigested particles.
The abomasum is the true stomach of the ruminant. In this compartment, acid and enzymes are secreted to further break down the food before it moves into the small intestine for nutrient absorption.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is A. omasum. It absorbs water and acts as a filter for the next compartment in the ruminant's digestive system.