Dissected fowl showing the digestive, respiratory and circulatory system

You're on a roll — here's a breakdown of the systems in a dissected fowl: Digestive System: Food enters through the esophagus, then goes to the crop for storage and softening. It then moves to the proventriculus (true stomach) for chemical digestion, followed by the gizzard for mechanical grinding. Digestion and absorption occur in the small intestine, and water absorption in the large intestine. Undigested waste is expelled through the cloaca*. Respiratory System: Fowl have relatively small, rigid lungs and a complex system of air sacs* that extend throughout the body. Air flows unidirectionally through the lungs, allowing for efficient gas exchange during both inhalation and exhalation. This system ensures a continuous supply of oxygen, crucial for their high metabolic rate. Circulatory System: Fowl possess a highly efficient, closed circulatory system* with a four-chambered heart (two atria, two ventricles). This allows for complete separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, supporting their high metabolic demands. Blood is pumped from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation, then back to the heart, and finally to the rest of the body. Got more? Send 'em 📸