The caecum communicates with the [[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]] via the '''ileal orifice''' and with the [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]] via the '''caecocolic orifice'''.
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The caecum communicates with the [[Ileum - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]] via the '''ileal orifice''' and with the [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]] via the '''caecocolic orifice'''.
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It consists of a base, body and apex. The apex is the blind-ending portion. It is attached to the [[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]] by a fold of peritoneum called the '''ileocaecal fold'''.
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It consists of a base, body and apex. The apex is the blind-ending portion. It is attached to the ileum by a fold of peritoneum called the '''ileocaecal fold'''.
==Function==
==Function==
'''1. Microbial Fermentation'''
'''1. Microbial Fermentation'''
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The contribution of this is [[#Species Differences|species dependant]]. The products of fermentation are [[Volatile Fatty Acids|VFAs]].
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The contribution of this is [[#Species Differences|species dependant]]. The products of fermentation are [[Volatile Fatty Acids|volatile fatty acids (VFAs)]].
'''2. Absorption'''
'''2. Absorption'''
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'''3. Transportation'''
'''3. Transportation'''
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Segmental contractions facilitate absorption and microbial actitivity. Every 3-5 minutes, segmentation is replaced by ''mass movements''. This is similar to peristalsis, but large portions of the caecum contract simultaneously to move chyme into the [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]].
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Segmental contractions facilitate absorption and microbial activity. Every 3-5 minutes, segmentation is replaced by ''mass movements''. This is similar to peristalsis, but large portions of the caecum contract simultaneously to move chyme into the [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]].