The strange digestive mechanism of alligators

Appearing permanently on cable channels naturally, crocodiles are described as one of the most terrifying predators on earth. When the opportunity arises, crocodiles will cram and consume a meal equivalent to 23% of body weight. This can be compared to a woman weighing nearly 60kg eating a hamburger weighing 14kg. But what crocodiles will do with that food because if they do not digest their meal quickly, it is likely that it will be prey to another species or worse than it will die.

We have long known that reptiles have the ability to divert blood through the lungs, but the physiological function of this ability is unknown. In a breakthrough article published in the April 3-4 issue of Physiological and Biochemical Zoology entitled ' Crocodile circulation from left to right for good digestion ', Professor CG Farmer and colleagues at Dai In Utah, at the Utah Artificial Heart Institute, it can be illustrated by experiments on American crocodiles to conclude that circulating blood circulation plays a central role in their digestion and survival.

After eating well, alligators like to find a warm place to lie down and digest the meal. Although this action seems normal, inside their bodies a strange event will take place.During digestion, alligators circulate blood through a special circuit that does not pass through the lungs called the left aorta . Humans, other mammals and birds lack this special circuit. Therefore, all blood pumped from the right side of the heart flows through the pulmonary artery into the lungs. Here carbon dioxide from the blood enters the air in the lungs.

(Photo: Treknature) Crocodile can choose not to use the left aorta . In that case, their cardiovascular system is very similar to that of mammals. However, when crocodiles digest, they change the flow and bring CO _2- rich blood straight to the stomach so that the glands here use CO2 to form stomach acid and acid carbonate (HCO ₃ ). Consequently, this mechanism allows glands to secrete stomach acid more than 10 times the highest rate of mammals. If the crocodile loses its ability to bypass the lungs, the rate of acid secretion will be severely reduced and they will have difficulty digesting the bones, a regular component of meals.

There are many reasons why crocodiles need this super-fast excretion. The first reason, giant meals stored in the stomach when gradually decomposed will rot due to the proliferation of bacteria in a favorable environment is the lack of acid solution. The second reason may be related to the crocodile hunting strategy. Hidden under the water, crocodiles sneakily approach the prey to drink water, leap up and drag the ill-fated animal to death.

This powerful action sequence releases an unusually large amount of lactic acid in the muscles, if not discharged from the body quickly, will become fatal. The redirection of acidic blood passes through the lungs straight into the stomach, allowing lactic acid to escape from the blood quickly. Moreover, it also provides HCO ₃ for blood, an important substance in keeping blood acid levels low.

Finally, the ability to redirect blood helps the crocodile weak. In the early years of development, over 50% of young crocodiles became lunches of other species but if they were larger they were less likely to be attacked.Crocodile is a cold-blooded animal based on the sun to keep warm and warm belly is essential for the speed of acid secretion, good digestion and fast growth . However, sunbathing beaches are not much and often occupied by larger species. Therefore, this is especially important for young crocodiles who take advantage of acid secretions as soon as they have a chance to warm up.