Reticulum

/ɹɛtˈɪkjʊləm/

Reticulum

a compartment of the ruminant stomach that features a honeycomb-like structure and aids in the breakdown and fermentation of ingested plant material

synonyms : second stomach

What is "reticulum"?

The reticulum, also known as the "honeycomb," is a chamber within the digestive system of ruminant animals, such as cows, sheep, and goats. It is one of the four compartments of their specialized stomach, along with the rumen, omasum, and abomasum. The reticulum has a unique structure characterized by a honeycomb-like network of ridges and compartments, which provides mechanical assistance in the breakdown of ingested plant material. It acts as a storage and fermentation chamber, allowing the microbial population within the reticulum to break down fibrous food particles through fermentation and microbial digestion.

any fine network (especially one in the body composed of cells or blood vessels)

a small constellation in the southern hemisphere near Dorado and Hydrus

Examples

1. Well, the endoplasmic reticulum really has two regions.

2. These compartments are the reticulum, the rumen, the omasum and the abomasum.

3. We have the endoplasmic reticulum.

4. We see the endoplasmic reticulum.