Cecum
Caecum
- Related terms: Caecum
Definition
The cecum (intestinum cæcum), the commencement of the large intestine, is the large blind pouch situated below the ileal orifice (colic valve).
Its blind end is directed downward, and its open end upward, communicating directly with the colon, of which this blind pouch appears to be the beginning or head, and hence the old name of caput cæcum coli was applied to it.
Its size is variously estimated by different authors, but on an average it may be said to be 6.25 cm. in length and 7.5 in breadth.
It is situated in the right iliac fossa, above the lateral half of the inguinal ligament: it rests on the Iliacus and Psoas major, and usually lies in contact with the anterior abdominal wall, but the greater omentum and, if the cecum be empty, some coils of small intestine may lie in front of it.
As a rule, it is entirely enveloped by peritoneum, but in a certain number of cases (5 per cent., Berry) the peritoneal covering is not complete, so that the upper part of the posterior surface is uncovered and connected to the iliac fascia by connective tissue.
References
