The cecum is the pouch-like beginning of the large intestine, located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, where it connects to the terminal ileum of the small intestine through the ileocecal valve. The vermiform appendix extends from the cecum, which is why the cecal region is carefully evaluated during ultrasound examinations for suspected appendicitis. On ultrasound, the cecum can be identified as a gas and fluid-filled bowel loop in the right iliac fossa. Pathology involving the cecum, such as cecal tumors, inflammatory conditions, and intussusception in children, can sometimes be detected with ultrasound during focused examinations of the right lower quadrant.
Sonography Term