Ileocecal sphincter

Definition

The ileocecal sphincter is a ring-like muscle that controls the flow of digested food material from the ileum, the last section of the small intestine, into the cecum, the first part of the large intestine. It acts as a barrier to prevent backflow and plays a crucial role in the digestive process by regulating the passage of intestinal contents.

Related terms

Ileum:

The final and longest segment of the small intestine where most of the nutrients are absorbed before contents are passed to the large intestine.

Cecum:

A pouch connected to the junction of the small and large intestines that receives undigested food material from the ileum and starts its process into waste.

Peristalsis:

The series of wave-like muscle contractions that moves food through the digestive tract, including through regions controlled by sphincters like the ileocecal valve