ileum
Sign in to saveThe ileum () is the final section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms posterior intestine or distal intestine may be used instead of ileum.
AI overview
The ileum is the final section of the small intestine in mammals, reptiles, and birds, where the last stages of nutrient absorption take place before food passes into the large intestine. In fish, this section is less distinctly defined and is instead referred to as the posterior or distal intestine.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Anatomy.Name
- Ileum
- Anatomy.Latin
- ileum
- Anatomy.Image
- Illu small intestine.jpg
- Anatomy.Caption
- Small intestine
- Anatomy.Image2
- Gray1045.png
- Anatomy.Caption2
- The cecal fossa. The ileum and cecum are drawn backward and upward.
- Anatomy.Precursor
- Midgut
- Anatomy.Artery
- Ileal arteries, ileocolic artery
- Anatomy.Vein
- Ileal veins
- Anatomy.Nerve
- Celiac ganglia, vagus
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
8 sectionsContents
- Structure
- Histology
- Development
- Function
- Clinical significance
- Other animals
- References
- External links
The ileum () is the final section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms posterior intestine or distal intestine may be used instead of ileum. Its main function is to absorb vitamin B12, bile salts, and whatever products of digestion that were not absorbed by the jejunum.
The ileum follows the duodenum and jejunum and is separated from the cecum by the ileocecal valve (ICV). In humans, the ileum is about 2–4 m long, and the pH is usually between 7 and 8 (neutral or slightly basic).