Ileum

1 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Description

The Ileum is a coiled, mobile segment that accounts for 60% of the length of the Small Intestine - it is the lowest of the three portions of the Small Intestine.

 

Biological Functions of the Ileum

Digestive System

 The Ileum continues the process of Digestion - food particles that have not been absorbed by the time they reach the end of the Ileum (the Ileocecal Valve) are “emptied” into the Cecum of the Colon.  The Ileum is the site of absorption of several nutrients including:

 Bile Salts and Bile Acids

 Essential Fatty Acids

 Fat-Soluble Vitamins

 Folic Acid

 Vitamin B12

 Water

 

These Substances Enhance the Function of the Ileum

Enzymes

 Exopeptidases are activated in the Ileum.

 

Hormones

 Intrinsic Factor enables the Ileum to absorb Vitamin B12.

 

Ailments of the Ileum

 Crohn's Disease

 

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