Into which compartment are gastric juices like Pepsin and
HCL secreted in the ruminant system?
A. abomasum
B. rumen
C. reticulum
D. omasum
A. abomasum
In a ruminant system, gastric juices like pepsin and HCL are secreted in the compartment called the "abomasum". Therefore, the correct answer is A) abomasum.
To determine which compartment in the ruminant system gastric juices like pepsin and HCL are secreted into, we first need to have a basic understanding of the ruminant digestive system.
Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, have a unique digestive system that consists of several compartments. These compartments include the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum.
Now, let's analyze each option to determine which compartment secretes gastric juices like pepsin and HCL:
A. Abomasum: The abomasum is considered the "true stomach" in ruminants. It is similar to the stomach of monogastric animals (animals with a single-chambered stomach). However, the abomasum is responsible for the final stage of digestion in ruminants. It secretes gastric juices, including pepsin and hydrochloric acid (HCL). So, this option is a possibility.
B. Rumen: The rumen is the largest compartment in the ruminant digestive system. It is primarily responsible for the fermentation of ingested plant material. The rumen contains a diverse population of microorganisms that break down complex carbohydrates. However, the rumen does not directly secrete gastric juices like pepsin or HCL. Therefore, this option is unlikely.
C. Reticulum: The reticulum is a small compartment located next to the rumen. It acts as a secondary storage area for digesta and also assists in the mixing process of rumination. Similar to the rumen, the reticulum does not secrete gastric juices, so this option is also unlikely.
D. Omasum: The omasum is the compartment following the reticulum. Its primary function is to absorb water and minerals from the digesta before it enters the abomasum. Like the rumen and reticulum, the omasum does not secrete gastric juices.
Considering the above analysis, the correct answer to the question is A. Abomasum. Gastric juices like pepsin and HCL are secreted in the abomasum, which is the true stomach of ruminants and functions similarly to the stomach in monogastric animals.