Mammal, ruminant stomach (Gross, Low)

Structure List Dorsal view Sagittal view Lateral view

COMPLEX STOMACH OF RUMINANTS. Ruminant animals (sheep, cows, etc.) have a COMPLEX STOMACH consisting of four chambers: the RUMEN, RETICULUM, OMASUM and ABOMASUM. The rumen may contain up to 300 liters of material! Plant food and saliva accumulate in the rumen and the food is acted upon by colonies of anaerobic bacteria. The bacteria enable these animals to utilize food sources that are indigestible by mammalian enzymes.