<P> In a mature cow, the reticulum can hold around 5 gallons of liquid . The rumen and reticulum are very close in structure and function and can be considered as one organ . They are separated only by a muscular fold of tissue . </P> <P> In immature ruminants a reticular groove is formed by the muscular fold of the reticulum . This allows milk to pass by the reticulorumen straight into the abomasum . </P> <P> The fluid contents of the reticulum play a role in particle separation . This is true both in domestic and wild ruminants . The separation takes place through biphasic contractions . In the first contraction there is sending large particles back into the rumen while the reticulo - omasal orifice allows the passage of finer particles . In the second contraction the reticulum contracts completely so the empty reticulum can refill with contents from the rumen . These contents are then sorted in the next biphasic contraction . The contractions occur in regular intervals . High density particles may settle into the honeycomb structures and can be found after death . It is during the contractions of the reticulum that sharp objects can penetrate the wall and make their way to the heart . Some ruminants, such as goats, also have monophasic contractions in addition to the biphasic contractions . </P>

What does the reticulum do in the digestive system