What is ileum?

ileum is the end part of the small intestine. It extends from the Junum, the middle of the small intestine, to the beginning of the large intestine. The absorption of vitamin B12 and bile salts is one of its most important functions.

It is located in the lower abdominal area, the ileum lies next to the duodenum and Junum, which are two other small intestine segments. In adults, the ileum is about 12 feet long and stretches to the ileocecal valve that connects to the large intestine. It is held in the abdominal cavity by a membrane called mesenters and receives a blood supply from the superior mesenteric artery and arterial branches.

ileum performs some essential functions. It helps to assimilate vitamin B12 through special receptors. Cells lining its wall secrete enzymes that facilitate further disintegration of proteins and carbohydrates. It is also a place of absorption of fluids and electrolytes. The ileum reabsorbs the bile salts of the apomones to maintain a reasonable level of bile salts for digestion and absorption of fat in the small intestine in the small intestine.

The

ileal wall is composed of smooth muscles, has several folds and is usually thinner than the Junum wall. Its wall is lined with protruding structures called Villi and microvilli. Villi helps to receive the nutrients that are available through the digestive process and carry them into the bloodstream and liver. Peyer patches, which are bundles of lymphatic cells, are located in the ileal lining. These cells can be involved in the body's immune mechanisms.

non -absorbed residues from the digestive process pass from the ileum to the large intestine. The content moves forward with slow muscle contractions or peristalsis. The ileocecal valve that connects the small and large intestine prevents the flow of undigested content.

Some disorders, such as Crohn's disease, can affect the functioning of this part of the small intestine. Individuals of the disability could develop inflammation in the ileum. Conditionthat cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. There could be a lack of vitamin because the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine is affected.

If the ileum is considerably damaged, the patient may be recommended for surgical procedure to remove the patient. One of the problems that this surgery could arise from is that the reabsorption of bile acids in the small intestine is disturbed. As a result, the patient may suffer from diarrhea.