caecum
/'si:kəm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A pouch-like cavity at the beginning of the large intestine: The caecum (also spelled cecum) is the first part of the large intestine, forming a blind pouch where the small intestine (ileum) opens into it. It is located in the lower right abdomen.
- An anatomical structure in some animals: In many herbivorous animals, the caecum is larger and serves as a site for fermentation of plant material.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The ileum empties its contents into the caecum.
- In humans, the appendix is attached to the caecum.
- Rabbits have a large caecum to help digest cellulose.
Advanced Usage
- "The ileocaecal valve": This is the sphincter muscle valve that separates the end of the small intestine (ileum) from the caecum, controlling the flow of digested material.
- The ileocaecal valve prevents backflow from the large intestine.
Variants and Related Words
- Cecum: The American English spelling of "caecum".
- Caecal (adj): Pertaining to the caecum.
- Caecal inflammation can cause abdominal pain.
- Ileocaecal (adj): Relating to both the ileum and the caecum.
- The ileocaecal region is a common site for certain infections.
Synonyms
- Blind gut: An older or less technical term for the caecum, referring to its pouch-like, closed-end structure.
Related Phrases
- Caecal volvulus: A medical condition involving a twist of the caecum.
- Caecal volvulus is a surgical emergency.
- Caecal bascule: A specific type of bowel obstruction related to the caecum.
Noun
- the cavity in which the large intestine begins and into which the ileum opens
- the appendix is an offshoot of the cecum