Diagram of the abdominal part of the alimentary canal (digestive system). Labels: C, the cardiac, and P, the pyloric end of the stomach; D, the duodenum; J, I, the convolutions of the small intestine; CC, the caecum with the vermiform appendix; AC, ascending, TC, transverse, and DC, descending colon; R, the rectum.

Alimentary Canal

Diagram of the abdominal part of the alimentary canal (digestive system). Labels: C, the cardiac, and…

Arteries and veins of the cecum and vermiform appendix seen from behind.

Arteries and Veins of he Cecum and Appendix

Arteries and veins of the cecum and vermiform appendix seen from behind.

The cecum and colon laid open to show the ileocecal valve.

Cecum Showing Ileocecal Valve

The cecum and colon laid open to show the ileocecal valve.

Arteries of the cecum and of the appendix vermiformis and of the terminal portion of the ileum.

Arteries of the Cecum

Arteries of the cecum and of the appendix vermiformis and of the terminal portion of the ileum.

The four types of cecum. Type I is the infantile form which persists throughout life, in about 2 percent of cases. In Type II the conical cecum had become quadrate by the growing out of a saccule on either side of the anterior longitudinal band. The saccules are of equal side, and the appendix arises from between them instead of from the apex of a cone. This type is found in 3 percent of cases. Type III is the normal type of man. Here the two saccules, which in the second type were uniform, have grown at unequal rates, the right with greater rapidity than the left. This type occurs in about 90 percent of cases. Type IV is merely an exaggerated condition of the third; the right saccule is still larger, and at the same time the left saccule had been atrophied, so that the original apex of the cecum, with the appendix, is close to the ileocecal junction, and the anterior band courses inward to the same situation. This type is present in about 4 percent of cases.

Four Types of Cecum

The four types of cecum. Type I is the infantile form which persists throughout life, in about 2 percent…

The ileo-caecal valve, where the small intestine joins the large. Labels: a, ileum; b, ascending colon; c, caecum; d, junction of the caecum and colon; e and f, loose folds of the mucous membrane, forming the ileo-caecal valve; g, vermiform appendage.

Ileo-caecal valve

The ileo-caecal valve, where the small intestine joins the large. Labels: a, ileum; b, ascending colon;…

The pericecal folds and fossae are three pouches found in the area of the cecum.

Pericecal Fossae

The pericecal folds and fossae are three pouches found in the area of the cecum.

The retrocecal fossa. The ileum and cecum are drawn backward and upward.

Retrocecal Fossa

The retrocecal fossa. The ileum and cecum are drawn backward and upward.