Anatomic and clinical aspects of the junction of the ileum with the large intestine

Summary The termination of the ileum at its junction with the large intestine looks like a papilla and, therefore, has been called the ileal papilla. The ileal papilla projects into the large intestine for a distance of 2 to 3 cm and can be misinterpreted as having a valvular configuration when it is distorted after death. An anatomic muscular mechanism, the ileal pylorus, can be demonstrated within the ileal papilla and terminal ileum. It consists of longitudinal and circular muscle fibers which open and close the starshaped ileal orifice, respectively. Although the clinical significance of the ileal pylorus remains to be fully elucidated, it appears advisable to preserve this muscular mechanism whenever possible.