Question

What is the cecum's function ?

Answer 1

• Ans:-It is the first part of the large intestine that digesting food enters after leaving the small intestine, and is shaped like a sac. Separating the cecum  from the small intestine is the ileocecal valve.
• The ileocecal valve protrudes into the lumen of the cecum and therefore is forcefully closed when excess pressure builds up in the cecum and tries to push cecal contents backward against the valve lips. The valve usually can resist reverse pressure of at least 50 to 60 centimeters of water. the wall of the ileum for several centimeters immediately upstream from the ileocecal valve has a thickened circular muscle called the ileocecal sphincter. This sphincter normally remains mildly constricted and slows emptying of ileal contents into the cecum. However, immediately after a meal, a gastroileal reflex intensifies peristalsis in the ileum, and emptying of ileal contents into the cecum proceeds. Resistance to emptying at the ileocecal valve prolongs the stay of chyme in the ileum and thereby facilitates absorption. Normally, only 1500 to 2000 milliliters of chyme empty into the cecum each day.
• CECUM FUNCTION IN ANIMALS:-The cecum of herbivores is much larger than the cecum of omnivores. These animals consume more cellulose and water, making a larger cecum necessary for effective digestion.The cecum is responsible for breaking down the cellulose fibers from digesting plant matter. Animals, both herbivores and omnivores, take in cellulose when eating plants. Bacteria and enzymes in the cecum of these animals cause fermentation that breaks down cellulose fibers.
• Provide lubrication;:Other function of the cecum is to lubricate the solid waste that passes into the large intestine, mixing this waste with mucus. A thick mucus membrane lines the cecum, and produces the mucus necessary to lubricate the solid waste. The large intestine extracts liquid from the waste products.

• Salt Absorption:-cecum is a reservoir for liquids, the cecum is responsible for the absorption of salts and electrolytes into the body from liquids. The muscle tissue of the cecum contracts, causing the liquid products to churn. This churning extracts salts and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. These salts are then absorbed into the mucus membrane of the cecum. Humans lose salts and electrolytes as they sweat, and must replace these nutrients to carry electrical charges between cells. The cecum separates these salts from the liquids consumed and absorbs them into the body.these functions occur in cecum.