![]() Lymph from the cecum drains into the ileocolic lymph nodes (which surround the ileocolic artery). This is achieved by the ileocolic branch of the superior mesenteric plexus, which follows the same course as the ileocolic artery and carries vagal and sympathetic nerve fibres. Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system innervate the cecum and appendix. Gross anatomy Blind-ending sac of bowel that lies below the ileocecal valve, above which the large intestine continues as the ascending colon. Venous drainage is provided by the corresponding ileocolic vein, and empties into the superior mesenteric vein. The cecum (plural: ceca or cecums) is the first part of the large bowel and lies in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. This is not considered a separate layer from the mucosa. It subsequently divides into anterior and posterior cecal arteries, which directly supply the cecum. The next layer encountered-moving from inside the lumen to the outside of the gut-is the submucosa. Therefore, the vascular supply is via branches of the superior mesenteric vessels.Īrterial supply is from the ileocolic artery, a branch of the superior mesenteric artery. The cecum is derived from the embryologic midgut. Note the blind end inferiorly, and its continuity with the ascending colon superiorly. Unlike the ascending colon, the cecum is intraperitoneal and has a variable mesentery. Superiorly, the cecum is continuous with the ascending colon. The cecum derives its name from its inferior blind-end ('cecum' is derived from the Latin word ‘ caecus’, meaning ‘blind’). In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the cecum - its anatomical structure, neurovascular supply, and lymphatic drainage. Having served as a site for cellulose digestion in our ancestors, the cecum now simply acts as a reservoir for chyme which it receives from the ileum. The cecum is the most proximal part of the large intestine and is located between the ileum (distal small bowel) and the ascending colon. This helps to decompress the cecum and prevent “closed loop” obstructions and perforations. ![]() Note: In cases of large bowel obstruction, an incompetent ileocecal valve is paradoxically advantageous as it allows the retrograde passage of bowel contents back into the ileum. This structure prevents reflux of large bowel contents into the ileum during peristalsis and is thought to function passively, as opposed to a defined muscular sphincter. Unlike the ascending colon, the cecum is intraperitoneal and has a variable mesentery.īetween the cecum and ileum is the ileocecal valve. The cecum derives its name from its inferior blind-end (‘cecum’ is derived from the Latin word ‘ caecus’, meaning ‘blind’). It lies inferiorly to the ileocecal junction and can be palpated if enlarged due to faeces, inflammation, or malignancy. The cecum is the most proximal part of the large intestine and can be found in the right iliac fossa of the abdomen.
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