Pronunciation: [ˈɪliːk] (IPA) 
The word "ileac" is spelled with five letters and pronounced /ˈɪliæk/. The first two letters, "i" and "l", represent the sound /ɪ/ as in "ill". The third letter, "e", is pronounced /iː/ as in "ee". The fourth letter, "a", represents the /æ/ sound as in "cat". Lastly, the letter "c" represents a hard /k/ sound. The word "ileac" refers to the ileum, the final portion of the small intestine in humans and many other animals.
Ileac is an adjective that pertains to the ileum, which is the final section of the small intestine in humans and higher vertebrates. The term "ileac" is derived from the word "ileum," and it specifically refers to anything relating to or situated in the ileum.
The ileum is a vital part of the gastrointestinal system, located between the jejunum and the cecum. It plays a crucial role in the absorption of nutrients from digested food. The ileum is responsible for the final stages of digestion and absorption, particularly of vitamin B12, bile salts, and any remaining nutrients that were not absorbed in the previous sections of the small intestine.
When used in a medical context, "ileac" usually describes conditions or diseases affecting the ileum. For example, ileac inflammation, known as ileitis, can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn's disease. Additionally, ileac lymph nodes refer to the lymph nodes located in the vicinity of the ileum.
In broader terms, the adjective "ileac" can also be used to describe any anatomical structures or physiological processes that relate to the ileum. This term is predominantly employed in medical and scientific contexts, particularly in discussions involving the small intestine and its various functions.
Relating to ileus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
