The small intestine extends from the pyloric sphincter, superiorly, to which valve, inferiorly?

• A. Hepatopancreatic ampulla
• B. Cardiac sphincter
• C. Ileocecal valve
• D. Anal sphincter

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by identifying the anatomical location of the small intestine. It is a part of the digestive system that connects the stomach to the large intestine.
2. Step 2: Understand the role of the pyloric sphincter. It is a muscular valve located at the junction of the stomach and the small intestine, controlling the passage of partially digested food (chyme) into the duodenum.
3. Step 3: Trace the path of the small intestine, which consists of three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The ileum is the final section of the small intestine.
4. Step 4: Learn about the ileocecal valve. This valve is located at the junction of the ileum (small intestine) and the cecum (large intestine). It regulates the flow of digested material from the small intestine into the large intestine and prevents backflow.
5. Step 5: Compare the other options provided in the question. The hepatopancreatic ampulla is a structure where bile and pancreatic enzymes enter the duodenum, the cardiac sphincter is located at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, and the anal sphincter is at the end of the digestive tract. None of these are anatomically connected to the inferior end of the small intestine.