US Medical Term · anatomy
Ileum
Íleon
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Ileum |
| Spanish (Español) | Íleon |
| Chinese (中文) | 迴腸 |
| Korean (한국어) | 회장 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Hồi tràng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Ilyum |
| Portuguese (Português) | Íleo |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ลำไส้เล็กส่วนปลาย |
| Japanese (日本語) | 回腸 |
What it means
The ileum is the third and final section of the small intestine, following the duodenum and jejunum. It is about twelve feet long and sits in the lower right part of the abdomen. The ileum is responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile acids — substances the body recycles to make new bile — as well as any nutrients not absorbed in the earlier sections of the small intestine. The ileum connects to the large intestine at a valve called the ileocecal valve, which controls the flow of material into the colon and prevents backward flow. Crohn's disease commonly affects the ileum, causing inflammation, pain, and diarrhea. Surgery that removes part of the ileum can affect the body's ability to absorb B12 and certain fats.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My Crohn's disease mostly affects the last part of the small intestine, called the ileum.
Mi enfermedad de Crohn afecta principalmente la última parte del intestino delgado, llamada íleon.
After removing part of my ileum I was told I will need B12 injections because the surgery affects absorption.
Después de extirpar parte del íleon me dijeron que necesitaré inyecciones de vitamina B12 porque la cirugía afecta la absorción.
The capsule camera found ulcers in my ileum that the regular endoscope cannot reach.
La cámara de cápsula encontró úlceras en mi íleon que el endoscopio regular no puede alcanzar.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026