Translations:Benutzer:Arian/Klett-Mini-Test/604/en

Before this process, a remarkable transition takes place. Little fragmented, tuft by tuft passes from the oral cavity of the head region, through the oesophagus and the separating diaphragm, into the abdominal region — into the three gland-free forestomachs: firstly into the reticulum (also called the honeycomb or centrifugal stomach), from there secondly into the rumen, and thirdly into the psalterium or leaf stomach (*Omasum*). If not already earlier in the rumen, it is decided definitively in the psalterium whether the fodder-pulp passes on for further digestion into the abomasum or glandular stomach, or whether it — pressed out — takes the way back once more into the oral cavity for rumination. The unique task of the forestomachs, and here above all of the rumen, is the microbial breakdown of the crude-fibre-rich plant food. The rumen with its enormous capacity of approximately 150 litres extends from the diaphragm rearward into the pelvic cavity.