The bacteria that usually inhabit the large intestine are prevented from backing up into the ileum by the action of the ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ileocecal sphincter is located at the junction of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) and the cecum (the first part of the large intestine). Its action helps prevent bacteria from the large intestine (colon) from backing up into the small intestine. The sphincter of Oddi regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the small intestine, the pyloric sphincter regulates the exit of food from the stomach, and the rectal sphincter regulates the release of feces from the rectum.

The Bacteria That Usually Inhabit the Large Intestine Are Prevented