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    Related Topics

    From Digestive System

    Cardia
    Upper opening of the stomach.
    Ascending Colon
    Vertical segment of the colon on the right side.
    Oral Cavity
    Entry point of the digestive system; includes teeth, tongue, and salivary openings.
    Rectum
    Straight section of the colon leading to anus.
    Major Duodenal Papilla
    Opening for bile and pancreatic ducts into duodenum.
    Jejunum
    Second portion of the small intestine.
    Soft Palate
    Muscular posterior part of the roof of the mouth.
    Tongue
    Muscular organ aiding in taste, speech, and food manipulation.
    External Anal Sphincter
    Voluntary muscle around anus.
    Anus
    Opening through which feces are expelled.
    Palatine Tonsils
    Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
    Descending Colon
    Vertical segment of the colon on the left side.
    Upper Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle ring that controls entry into the esophagus.
    Tail of Pancreas
    Tapered end of pancreas near spleen.
    Teniae Coli
    Longitudinal muscle bands of colon.
    Sublingual Glands
    Salivary glands beneath the tongue.
    Esophagus
    Muscular tube conveying food from the pharynx to the stomach.
    Mesocolon
    Peritoneal fold attaching colon to posterior wall.
    Hard Palate
    Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
    Liver
    Largest gland in the body with roles in metabolism and bile production.
    Gingiva
    Gums; soft tissue covering the bones of the jaw.
    Splenic Flexure
    Bend between transverse and descending colon.
    Teeth
    Structures in the jaws for mechanical breakdown of food.
    Parotid Glands
    Largest salivary glands located near the ear.
    Internal Anal Sphincter
    Involuntary muscle around anal canal.

    Ileum

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Final and longest portion of the small intestine.

    Overview

    The ileum is the final and longest segment of the small intestine. It plays a vital role in the absorption of nutrients that were not absorbed by the jejunum, particularly vitamin B12 and bile salts. The ileum also contributes to the immune system via its abundant lymphoid tissue. It connects to the large intestine through the ileocecal valve, regulating the transition of intestinal contents.

    Location

    The ileum is located in the lower abdomen, primarily in the right lower quadrant. It:

    • Begins at the duodenojejunal junction and extends from the end of the jejunum

    • Terminates at the ileocecal valve, where it enters the cecum of the large intestine

    • Occupies a central and lower position in the abdominal cavity, often forming loops in the pelvis

    It is intraperitoneal and suspended by the mesentery, allowing it considerable mobility within the abdominal cavity.

    Structure

    The ileum is about 3–4 meters in length and shares general features of the small intestine, with specific differences from the duodenum and jejunum:

    • Mucosa: Lined with simple columnar epithelium with abundant goblet cells; villi are shorter and sparser than in the jejunum

    • Peyer’s patches: Aggregated lymphoid nodules in the mucosa and submucosa; prominent in the ileum and critical for gut immunity

    • Plicae circulares: Circular folds are fewer and smaller than in the jejunum

    • Muscularis externa: Contains inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers for peristalsis

    • Serosa: Covered by visceral peritoneum and connected to the posterior abdominal wall via the mesentery

    Function

    The ileum is responsible for absorbing several key nutrients and substances:

    • Vitamin B12 absorption: Absorbed in the terminal ileum via intrinsic factor binding

    • Bile salt reabsorption: Recycles bile acids back to the liver via enterohepatic circulation

    • Residual nutrient absorption: Absorbs remaining amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars not absorbed in the jejunum

    • Electrolyte and water absorption: Complements jejunal reabsorption to maintain fluid balance

    Physiological Role(s)

    The ileum contributes significantly to digestive physiology and immune surveillance:

    • Completing digestion: Finishes enzymatic breakdown of nutrients and ensures efficient absorption

    • Enterohepatic circulation: Reabsorbs bile acids, conserving resources for fat digestion

    • Immune defense: Peyer’s patches monitor gut pathogens and help stimulate mucosal immunity

    • Transit regulation: Works with the ileocecal valve to control entry of chyme into the colon and prevent reflux

    Clinical Significance

    The ileum is implicated in several important clinical conditions:

    • Crohn’s disease: A chronic inflammatory condition that frequently affects the terminal ileum, leading to ulcers, strictures, and malabsorption

    • Ileal resection: Surgical removal (e.g., for cancer, trauma, or Crohn’s) can result in vitamin B12 deficiency and bile salt-induced diarrhea

    • Ileocecal tuberculosis: A form of abdominal TB that commonly affects the terminal ileum and ileocecal junction, mimicking malignancy or IBD

    • Short bowel syndrome: Loss of a large portion of the ileum leads to severe malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies

    • Ileal ulcers: May be caused by NSAID use, infections, or systemic diseases like Behçet’s or lymphoma

    • Meckel’s diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the distal ileum resulting from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct

    The ileum is evaluated using imaging (CT, MRI enterography), endoscopy (ileoscopy), and histopathology when ileal pathology is suspected.

    Did you know? The human body has over 700 species of bacteria in the digestive tract, many of which help with digestion.