Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: Cattle are less prone to caecal dilatation and torsion as compared to buffaloes.
Reason R: Free end of the caecum is devoid of mesentry in cattle.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

The anatomical layout of the ruminant caecum allows its apex to swing freely. High-concentrate feeding leads to fermentation and gas production in this mobile pouch, predisposing cattle to volvulus or torsion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The canine, equine, and ruminant digestive tracts possess structural variations in the attachments of the large intestines.
The degree of mobility of these intestinal segments dictates their susceptibility to pathological displacement, dilatation, and torsion.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the structural and clinical aspects of the ruminant caecum:
- Assertion A states that cattle are less prone to caecal dilatation and torsion compared to buffaloes.
Clinically, this is incorrect. Cattle, particularly high-producing dairy cows, are significantly more prone to caecal dilatation and torsion than buffaloes.
The condition is associated with high-concentrate diets and hypocalcemia in dairy cows, causing abomasal and caecal atony.
- Reason R states that the free end of the caecum is devoid of mesentery in cattle.
This is anatomically correct. The apex or caudal part of the bovine caecum projects caudally beyond the pelvic inlet and has no mesenteric attachment.
This lack of physical anchorage gives the distal caecum high mobility within the abdominal cavity, acting as a predisposing anatomical factor for torsion when atony occurs.
Since Assertion A is false but Reason R is true, we choose the corresponding option.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Assertion A is false but Reason R is true.