What is "gizzard"?

The gizzard is a muscular organ found in the digestive system of certain animals, particularly birds, and some reptiles. It is situated between the stomach and the small intestine and is responsible for mechanical digestion. The gizzard has a tough and thick muscular wall that allows it to grind and break down food particles. When an animal consumes food, it passes through the esophagus into the gizzard, where it is mixed with small stones or grit. The strong muscles of the gizzard contract and squeeze the food together with the stones, effectively pulverizing and grinding it into smaller pieces. This grinding action aids in the breakdown of tough materials, such as seeds, shells, and plant fibers, which are difficult to digest. The gizzard plays a crucial role in the digestion of food, helping animals extract nutrients from their diet.