Definition

A part of a bird's stomach that helps digest food by secreting enzymes and passing it to the next part of the stomach.

Example

The proventriculus is essential for breaking down food before it reaches the gizzard.

Conversation

Did you know that birds have a special part of their stomach called the proventriculus?

Really? I had no idea they had such a unique digestive system.

Yeah, it helps them break down food before it goes to the gizzard.

That's fascinating! Nature has such interesting ways to process food.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Proventriculus is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "ventriculus" (from Latin, meaning little belly or stomach). The word refers to the glandular part of the stomach in birds that precedes the true stomach, hence the meaning of a stomach-like structure before the main stomach.

Memory Tip

Think of 'before' ('pro-') and a 'little stomach' ('ventriculus') to remember that proventriculus refers to the part of a bird's digestive system that comes before the main stomach.

Visually Confused Words