The first part of the large intestine, separated from the small intestine by the ileo-colic sphincter.
Literally, a blind pouch.
The wider part of the large intestine in the lower right-hand side of the abdoment at the point where the small intestine joins it and which has the appendix attached to it.
The dilated first part of the large intestine lying in the right lower corner of the abdomen. The small intestine and the appendix open into it, and it is continued upwards through the right flank as the ascending colon.
The cecum, the initial segment of the large intestine, connects the end of the small intestine, known as the ileum, to the ascending colon. Within the cecum, there is a projection called the appendix, which serves its own anatomical purpose.