A strong, enlarged chamber of the stomach used to grind food into small, digestible bits is called a
A crop
B gizzard
C pharynx
D typhlosole
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. gizzard.
The gizzard is a specialized, muscular stomach chamber found in some animals, such as birds, reptiles, and certain fish. Its primary function is to grind food into smaller, digestible pieces. Unlike the human stomach, which uses acid and enzymes for digestion, the gizzard mechanically breaks down food. This is often achieved through the action of small, hard particles like stones or grit that the animal ingests. These particles help pulverize the food as it moves through the gizzard, allowing for more efficient digestion in subsequent parts of the digestive system.
In birds, the gizzard is especially important because they do not have teeth to chew their food. Instead, the gizzard serves as the main organ responsible for breaking down tough food, such as seeds and grains. Birds often ingest small stones, which remain in the gizzard and aid in the grinding process. The gizzard is lined with a tough, muscular lining that contracts and grinds food effectively.
The other options listed are not correct in this context:
- A. crop is a pouch-like structure found in some animals, such as birds, where food is temporarily stored before it moves to the stomach or gizzard for further digestion. It does not grind food.
- C. pharynx is a part of the throat that connects the mouth to the esophagus. It is involved in swallowing and does not play a role in grinding food.
- D. typhlosole is a structure found in the intestines of some invertebrates, particularly annelids like earthworms. It increases the surface area for absorption and does not function in food grinding.
In summary, the gizzard is the organ responsible for grinding food into smaller particles in certain animals. It works mechanically, often with the help of ingested grit or stones.