Dictionary > Caecum

Caecum

Definition
noun, plural: caeca
(anatomy) A blind pouch-like commencement of the colon in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen at the end of the small intestine
Supplement
The caecum refers to the large blind pouch at the beginning of the large intestine. It is found in between the ileum and the colon. The ileocecal valve separates the ileum from the caecum whereas the cecocolic junction separates the ceacum from the colon. The caecum receives chyme from the ileum. The appendix is a diverticulum that extends off the caecum.
In humans, the caecum serves only as a blind pouch of the large intestine. The carnivores have a relatively smaller caecum compared with the herbivores. This is probably due to the nature of their diet. Animals that feed mainly on meat tend to have a smaller caecum whereas herbivores that feed on plants tend to have larger caecum. It could be because in herbivores the caecum is involved in storing food and it is from where bacteria can act on the cellulose of the ingested plant material. As for other animals such as reptiles, the caecum arises from the dorsal of the large intestine. In birds, the caecum occurs as paired pouches. Amphibians do not have caecum. Certain mammalian species also lack caecum, such as raccoons, red panda, and bears.
Word origin: Latin caecum ‎(“blind gut”), Ancient Greek tuphlòn (énteron)
Variant(s):

  • cecum

Also called:

  • blind gut
  • See also:

    • Large intestine

    Related term(s):

  • Punctum caecum


  • You will also like...

    Freshwater Ecology
    Freshwater Ecology

    Freshwater ecology focuses on the relations of aquatic organisms to their freshwater habitats. There are two forms of co..

    Electromagnetic spectrum of a brain
    Sleep and Dreams – Neurology

    While learning and intelligence are associated with the functions of a conscious mind, sleep and dreams are activities o..

    Chemical effects on plant growth and development
    Effect of Chemicals on Growth & Development in Organisms

    Plants and animals need elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium for proper growth and developme..

    Cambial cells
    Plant Tissues

    Plant organs are comprised of tissues working together for a common function. The different types of plant tissues are m..

    The process of photosynthesis
    Photosynthesis – Photolysis and Carbon Fixation

    Photosynthesis is the process that plants undertake to create organic materials from carbon dioxide and water, with the ..

    Biosecurity and Biocontrol
    Biosecurity and Biocontrol

    This lesson explores the impact of biosecurity threats, and why they need to be identified and managed. Examples to incl..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics