Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What is the connection of the large bowel to the small bowel called?

1. Ileocecal valve

2. Pyloric sphincter

3. Rectal valve

4. Hepatic flexure

The correct answer is: Ileocecal valve

The connection of the large bowel to the small bowel is known as the ileocecal valve. This valve serves a critical role in the digestive system by regulating the passage of material from the ileum, the last part of the small intestine, into the cecum, which is the beginning of the large intestine. The ileocecal valve prevents the backflow of contents from the large intestine back into the small intestine, which is essential for maintaining proper digestive function and preventing bacterial overgrowth. In contrast, the pyloric sphincter is located between the stomach and the small intestine and regulates the flow of partially digested food from the stomach into the duodenum. The rectal valve is an anatomical feature found within the rectum that helps with the retention of gas and feces. Lastly, the hepatic flexure refers to a bend in the colon located near the liver, which connects the ascending colon to the transverse colon. Each of these structures has a distinct function and location that does not pertain to the connection between the large and small intestines.