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
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
"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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Common Confusion
Often mistakenly used in place of "Ileum" due to similarity
Often mistakenly used in place of "Ilium" due to similarity
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Definitions
Ilium
The bone that provides structure to the pelvic region.
The Ilium can be felt when you touch the sides of your hips.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
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Ileum
Part of the digestive system that follows the jejunum.
The chyme moves from the jejunum to the Ileum for further processing.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Ilium
One of the three sections of the os coxae in the skeletal system.
The Ilium connects to the sacrum at the sacroiliac joint.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Ileum
The third and final section of the small intestine.
The Ileum plays a key role in nutrient absorption.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Ilium
The uppermost and broadest part of the pelvis.
The Ilium forms a major part of the human hip bone.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Ileum
Connects to the cecum of the large intestine.
The Ileum ends at the ileocecal valve, leading to the large intestine.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Ileum
The segment responsible for absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.
Without the Ileum, our bodies wouldn't efficiently absorb certain vital nutrients.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Ilium
A significant bone for attachment of various muscles and ligaments.
Many muscles, like the gluteus maximus, attach to the Ilium.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Ileum
The longest section of the small intestine.
The Ileum measures about two-thirds of the length of the small intestine.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
May 05, 2018
Ilium
The uppermost and widest of the three bones constituting either of the lateral halves of the pelvis.
Fiza Rafique
May 05, 2018
Ileum
The third portion of the small intestine, between the jejunum and the caecum.
Fiza Rafique
May 05, 2018
Ilium
(anatomy) The upper and widest of the three bones that make up each side of the hipbone and pelvis.
Fiza Rafique
May 05, 2018
Ileum
The terminal portion of the small intestine extending from the jejunum to the cecum.
Fiza Rafique
May 05, 2018
Ileum
(anatomy) The last, and usually the longest, division of the small intestine; the part between the jejunum and large intestine.
Fiza Rafique
May 05, 2018
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.
Fiza Rafique
May 05, 2018
Ileum
The last, and usually the longest, division of the small intestine; the part between the jejunum and large intestine.
Fiza Rafique
May 05, 2018
FAQs
What's the main function of the Ileum?
The Ileum's primary role is absorbing vitamin B12 and bile salts.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Which is a bone: Ilium or Ileum?
The "Ilium" is a bone, specifically a part of the hip bone.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Can I feel the Ilium externally on my body?
Yes, the Ilium can be felt when you touch the sides of your hips.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Are both "Ilium" and "Ileum" related to the digestive system?
No, only the "Ileum" is. The "Ilium" is a part of the skeletal system.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Where does the Ileum lie in sequence in the small intestine?
The Ileum is the third and final section of the small intestine.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Is the Ilium responsible for hip joint movement?
The Ilium contributes to the pelvic structure, but hip joint movement involves several bones and muscles.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Does the Ileum connect directly to the stomach?
No, the Ileum is connected to the jejunum and then leads to the large intestine.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Is the Ilium vital for walking?
The Ilium contributes to the pelvic structure, which plays a role in supporting the body and walking.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 30, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor 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.
