Anatomy, physiology, manipulation and veterinary applications of the reticular groove. Review

Reticular groove closure in ruminants is a primary mechanism, almost exclusive of lactating animals, which makes the passage of food from the orifice of cardia to the abomasum possible, thus avoiding unwanted fermentations in rumen and reticulum. In this review It is described some anatomical and physiological aspects of the reticular groove, given its embryonic and postnatal development, its topographic location, structure, innervation, blood circulation and histology. Also describing the techniques used to study its functioning, both direct and indirect methods. Finally there is a concentrate on handling techniques to manipulate closing reflex of reticular groove and its veterinary applications, in both the stimulation and inhibition, since the possibility to control this reflex is of great interest in the oral administration of various drugs, the treatment of certain diseases, as well as a better utilization of some types of food.