The final and longest section of the small intestine, connecting to the large intestine at the ileocecal valve, primarily responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.
From Latin ileum, derived from Greek eilein meaning 'to roll up' or 'to twist,' referring to its coiled appearance in the abdomen.
The ileum is your body's vitamin B12 recycling center - it reabsorbs bile salts that help digest fats, sending them back to the liver to be used again. Without a functioning ileum, you'd need B12 injections for life, which is why Crohn's disease affecting this area can be so serious!
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