Topics:
Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher
Site of Pepsinogen and HCl Secretion in Ruminants
Pepsinogen and HCl are secreted in ruminants by:
- Abomasum — Correct Answer
- Rumen
- Reticulum
- Omasum
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Abomasum
In ruminants, the abomasum is the 'true stomach' — the only stomach compartment with glandular secretory function equivalent to the simple stomach of monogastrics. It secretes:
- Pepsinogen (from chief cells) → activated to pepsin by HCl.
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl) (from parietal cells) → pH of abomasum ≈ 2.0.
- Rennin (chymosin) → in young ruminants; coagulates milk casein.
Four Chambers of Ruminant Stomach
| Chamber | Also Called | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Rumen | Paunch | Largest; primary fermentation chamber |
| Reticulum | Honeycomb / Tool box | Regurgitation initiation; separates large particles |
| Omasum | Many-plies (Manyplies) | Water absorption; grinding ingesta; absent in pseudo-ruminants |
| Abomasum | Rennet bag / True stomach | Secretes HCl, pepsinogen, rennin — true digestion |
📚 About this Topic — Animal Physiology
This multiple choice question is from Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Physiology to strengthen your preparation.
