What is iliocolic?

The iliocolic is a term that is used in anatomy to describe the relationship between the ilium (a part of the hip bone) and the cecum (a pouch-like structure of the large intestine). The iliocolic artery is a branch of the superior mesenteric artery that supplies blood to the cecum and the ascending colon. The iliocolic vein drains blood from the same area and flows into the superior mesenteric vein. The iliocolic junction is the point at which the ileum (the final portion of the small intestine) empties into the cecum. This junction is guarded by the ileocecal valve, which prevents backflow of fecal matter from the large intestine into the small intestine. The iliocolic region is an important area for the diagnosis and treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and colon cancer.