Organ
Cecum
Blind colonic pouch below the ileal opening
High-yield
Intraperitoneal coverage does not require a long, distinct mesentery. The cecum is commonly covered by peritoneum while lacking a separate mesocecum.
Overview
The cecum occupies the beginning of the large bowel, usually in the right iliac fossa. The ileum enters its medial wall, while the appendix arises below the ileal junction. Its peritoneal covering is usually extensive, but the degree of fixation and mobility varies between individuals.
Reference facts
- Location
- Usually in the right iliac fossa, forming the blind pouch inferior to the ileocecal opening.
- Parts
- Cecal sac with ileal and appendiceal openings; continues superiorly as ascending colon.
- Blood supply
- Cecal branches of the ileocolic artery, from the superior mesenteric artery.
- Innervation
- Midgut autonomic pathways include superior mesenteric sympathetic fibers and vagal parasympathetic input; visceral pain may be referred centrally around the umbilicus.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Ileocolic venous drainage reaches the superior mesenteric vein; lymph follows ileocolic vessels toward superior mesenteric nodes.
- Relations
- Iliacus and psoas lie posteriorly; the appendix may occupy a retrocecal position, and the right paracolic gutter is lateral.
- Function
- Receives ileal contents and participates in colonic mixing, water absorption and onward transport.
Clinical correlation
Excessive mobility of the cecum and adjacent right colon can permit volvulus, obstructing the lumen and threatening its blood supply. A markedly distended cecum is also vulnerable in distal colonic obstruction.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the cecum located?
Usually in the right iliac fossa, forming the blind pouch inferior to the ileocecal opening.
What does the cecum do?
Receives ileal contents and participates in colonic mixing, water absorption and onward transport.
What are the parts of the cecum?
Cecal sac with ileal and appendiceal openings; continues superiorly as ascending colon.
What is the blood supply of the cecum?
The cecum is supplied by the cecal branches of the ileocolic artery, from the superior mesenteric artery.