The ileocaecal valve guards the opening where the ileum enters the caecum on its posteromedial side. It is formed by two lip-like folds (upper and lower) of the ileal wall that project into the caecum and join at each end in ridges called frenula. Thickened circular muscle around the terminal ileum acts as a functional sphincter.
| Location | Junction of the ileum and caecum in the right iliac fossa, on the posteromedial wall of the caecum |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Vagus nerve (parasympathetic); Superior mesenteric plexus, from lesser splanchnic nerves (sympathetic) |
| Blood Supply | Ileocolic artery |
| Venous drainage |
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| Lymphatic drainage |
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Regulates emptying of ileal contents into the colon and limits reflux of colonic contents and bacteria into the small intestine.
A competent valve can turn a distal colonic obstruction into a closed loop, so the caecum dilates and may perforate. The valve is a landmark at colonoscopy and is intubated to inspect the terminal ileum. In children, ileocolic intussusception typically begins near this valve.
Telescoping of the terminal ileum through the valve into the colon, most common in infants, causing colicky pain, vomiting and redcurrant jelly stools.
Distal colonic blockage with a competent ileocaecal valve, causing rapid caecal distension and risk of perforation.
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