Difference between revisions of "Caecum - Anatomy & Physiology"
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==Function== | ==Function== | ||
− | + | '''Microbial Fermentation''' | |
+ | The contribution of this is species dependant. | ||
+ | '''Absorption''' | ||
+ | VFAs that are produced are absorbed here. | ||
+ | '''Transportation''' | ||
+ | *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. | ||
==Vasculature== | ==Vasculature== |
Revision as of 10:55, 16 July 2008
Introduction
Structure
- The caecum is a blind-ending diverticulum of the large intestine.
- It communicates with the ileum via the ileal orifice and with the colon via the caecocolic orifice.
- It consists of a base, body and apex, the apex being the blind-ending portion.
- It is attached to the ileum by a fold of peritoneum called the ileocaecal fold.
Function
Microbial Fermentation The contribution of this is species dependant. Absorption VFAs that are produced are absorbed here. Transportation
- 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.
Vasculature
Innervation
Lymphatics
Histology
- No villi
- Mucosa has mucous glands
- Lamina muscularis has large lymphatic nodules.
- Submucosa has no glands.
Species Differences
Canine
- On the right side of the abdomen.
- Unique because it has no direct connection to the ileum.
- Short and held in a spiral shape against the ileum by the ileocaecal fold.
Ruminant
- On the right side of the abdomen in the supraomental recess
- The apex points caudally.
- Relatively small and featureless: there are no taenia or haustra.
Horse
Pig
- On the left side of the abdomen, with the apex pointing caudoventrally.
- Cylindrical in shape.
- Three taenia are present
- The ventral taenia provides the attachment for the ileocaecal fold.
- The lateral and medial taenia are free.