Intestinal structure

The Intestine (Latin: intestinum commune) is the longest part of the digestive tract. It is a coiled tube that extends from the stomach outlet to the anus. The intestinal tract is divided into the small intestine (Latin: intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (Latin: intestinum crassum). The small intestine is further divided into the duodenum (Latin: duodenum), jejunum (Latin: jejunum), and ileum (Latin: ileum). The large intestine consists of the cecum (Latin: cecum), colon (Latin: colon), and rectum (Latin: rectum). In contrast to humans, the cecum is clearly developed in slaughtered animals. The length of the intestine varies considerably depending on the animal species. In cattle, the intestinal length varies between 30 and 60 meters, in sheep between 20 and 40 meters, and in pigs between 20 and 25 meters. On the inner surface of the intestine are the villi. These are leaf- to finger-shaped projections of the small intestinal mucosa. The villi are covered with intestinal epithelial cells containing microvilli, thereby significantly increasing the intestinal surface area. This increased surface area facilitates nutrient absorption.

The microorganisms that are originally located in the intestines must be eliminated quickly and effectively during cleansing, as they could otherwise negatively affect sausage production later on. For example, in the case of sheep casing, the epidermis, mucous membrane, and inner muscle layer of the intestine are mechanically removed. Only a thin and slightly transparent middle muscle layer (the submucosa) remains. Only this is processed further into the sheep casing.