rumination

rumination /ru·mi·na·tion/ (roo″mĭ-na´shun)

1. the casting up of the food to be chewed thoroughly a second time, as in cattle.

2. in humans, the regurgitation of food after almost every meal, part of it being vomited and the rest swallowed: a condition sometimes seen in infants (rumination disorder) or in mentally retarded individuals.

3. meditation.

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rumination

[ro̅o̅′minā′shən]

Etymology: L, ruminare, to chew again

habitual regurgitation of small amounts of undigested food with little force after every feeding, a condition commonly seen in infants. It may be a symptom of overfeeding, of eating too fast, or of swallowing air. It has little or no clinical significance. More copious and forceful regurgitation may indicate a more serious condition such as an allergic intestinal reaction, an infectious disease, an obstruction of the intestinal tract, or a metabolic disorder. Also called reflux. See also vomit.

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rumination

includes regurgitation, remastication, ensalivation and reswallowing. The regurgitation of fluid reticular contents occurs as a result of a positive lowering of intrathoracic pressure, the arrival of a ruminal contraction at the cardial sphincter at the appropriate time, relaxation of the cardia and reverse peristalsis in the lower esophagus. The regurgitus is compressed at the back of the tongue and the fluid immediately reswallowed. The solid material is chewed for about a minute and reswallowed. The cycle is then ready to recommence. Rumination requires a positive approach by the cow and it is easily dissuaded by fright or food. Called also chewing the cud, cudding.