Ilium vs. Ileum — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
The "Ilium" is the uppermost and largest part of the pelvis bone, while the "Ileum" is the final section of the small intestine. Both terms pertain to anatomy but relate to different parts of the body.
Difference Between Ilium and Ileum
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Key Differences
"Ilium" and "Ileum" are terms from the field of anatomy, but they refer to completely different parts of the human body. The "Ilium" is a part of our skeletal structure. Specifically, it is the broad, uppermost section of the three parts that make up the hip bone or os coxae. Its prominence can be felt when we touch the sides of our hips, providing the width to our pelvic region.
On the other hand, the "Ileum" has nothing to do with bones at all. It is, instead, closely linked with our digestive system. The "Ileum" is the third and final part of the small intestine, following the jejunum. Its primary function is to absorb vitamin B12 and bile salts, ensuring that what we eat is adequately processed and the essential nutrients are absorbed.
Mispronunciation or misuse of "Ilium" and "Ileum" can lead to confusion given their phonetic similarity. However, once their definitions are known, their distinctions are clear. One's location in the pelvic region, being a bone, and the other resides in our abdominal cavity, playing a crucial role in digestion.
It's crucial, especially for students of medicine and related fields, to recognize the difference between these two terms. Using "Ilium" when referring to the small intestine or "Ileum" when talking about the hip bone can lead to significant misunderstandings in both academic and clinical settings.
Comparison Chart
Anatomical Relation
Skeletal system
Digestive system
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Definition
Uppermost part of the hip bone
Last part of the small intestine
Function
Provides structure to the pelvis
Absorbs vitamin B12 and bile salts
Location
Pelvic region
Abdominal cavity
Common Confusion
Often mistakenly used in place of "Ileum" due to similarity
Often mistakenly used in place of "Ilium" due to similarity
Compare with Definitions
Ilium
The bone that provides structure to the pelvic region.
The Ilium can be felt when you touch the sides of your hips.
Ileum
Part of the digestive system that follows the jejunum.
The chyme moves from the jejunum to the Ileum for further processing.
Ilium
One of the three sections of the os coxae in the skeletal system.
The Ilium connects to the sacrum at the sacroiliac joint.
Ileum
The third and final section of the small intestine.
The Ileum plays a key role in nutrient absorption.
Ilium
The uppermost and broadest part of the pelvis.
The Ilium forms a major part of the human hip bone.
Ileum
Connects to the cecum of the large intestine.
The Ileum ends at the ileocecal valve, leading to the large intestine.
Ilium
The bone that contributes to the bowl-like shape of the pelvis.
The Ilium's shape is crucial for support and protection of internal organs.
Ileum
The segment responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.
Without the Ileum, our bodies wouldn't efficiently absorb certain vital nutrients.
Ilium
A significant bone for attachment of various muscles and ligaments.
Many muscles, like the gluteus maximus, attach to the Ilium.
Ileum
The longest section of the small intestine.
The Ileum measures about two-thirds of the length of the small intestine.
Ilium
Alternative name for Troy, especially the 7th-century BC Greek city
Ileum
The ileum () is the final section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms posterior intestine or distal intestine may be used instead of ileum.
Ilium
The uppermost and widest of the three bones constituting either of the lateral halves of the pelvis.
Ileum
The third portion of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the caecum.
Ilium
(anatomy) The upper and widest of the three bones that make up each side of the hipbone and pelvis.
Ileum
The terminal portion of the small intestine extending from the jejunum to the cecum.
Ilium
The ileum, part of the small intestine (in modern usage, ileum).
Ileum
(anatomy) The last, and usually the longest, division of the small intestine; the part between the jejunum and large intestine.
Ilium
The dorsal one of the three principal bones comprising either lateral half of the pelvis; the dorsal or upper part of the hip bone. See Innominate bone, under Innominate.
Ileum
The last, and usually the longest, division of the small intestine; the part between the jejunum and large intestine.
Ilium
An ancient city in Asia Minor that was the site of the Trojan War
Ileum
See Ilium.
Ilium
The upper and widest of the three bones making up the hipbone
Ileum
The part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the cecum
Common Curiosities
What's the main function of the Ileum?
The Ileum's primary role is absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.
Which is a bone: Ilium or Ileum?
The "Ilium" is a bone, specifically a part of the hip bone.
Can I feel the Ilium externally on my body?
Yes, the Ilium can be felt when you touch the sides of your hips.
Are both "Ilium" and "Ileum" related to the digestive system?
No, only the "Ileum" is. The "Ilium" is a part of the skeletal system.
Where does the Ileum lie in sequence in the small intestine?
The Ileum is the third and final section of the small intestine.
Is the Ilium responsible for hip joint movement?
The Ilium contributes to the pelvic structure, but hip joint movement involves several bones and muscles.
Does the Ileum connect directly to the stomach?
No, the Ileum is connected to the jejunum and then leads to the large intestine.
Is the Ilium vital for walking?
The Ilium contributes to the pelvic structure, which plays a role in supporting the body and walking.
Which is larger: Ilium or Ileum?
The "Ilium" refers to a specific bone, while the "Ileum" is a lengthy portion of the intestine, so comparison isn't straightforward.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
