Question

The backflow of faecal matter from the large intestine into the small intestine is prevented by the presence of
A. epiglottis
B. sphincter of Oddi
C. ileo-caecal valve
D. gastro-esophageal sphincter

Answer 1

The role of this valve is to allow digested foods to go into the large intestine from the small intestine. This valve is present in an ileum.

Complete answer:
Digestion is the breakdown of large insoluble molecules of food into small molecules that are water-soluble, to absorb them into the plasma of the watery blood. These smaller particles of some species are absorbed into the bloodstream by the small intestine. Digestion is a type of catabolism that can be divided into two processes based on the way of food broken down.
The epiglottis is a cartilage flap, which is situated at the top of the voice box or larynx behind the tongue. The epiglottis's main purpose, in order not to inhale food inadvertently, is to seal the windpipe off during intake.
The sphincter of Oddi is the muscular valve which surrounds the exit of the duodenum from the bile duct and pancreas. The sphincter is usually closed and open only for meals so that digestive juices can be stimulated to digestion and combined with food.
The ileocecal valve is an ileum and the colon at the junction. The role of this system is to allow digested foods to go into the large intestine from the small intestine. The backflow of faecal matter into the small intestine from the large intestine is also prevented by the ileocecal valve.
The sphincter enables material to travel from the esophagus to the stomach when swallowing, but serves in resting conditions as a barrier for reflux of gastric contents.

Thus, the correct answer is option C. i.e., ileocecal valve.

Note: The completion of chemical digestion in the small intestine depends on the pancreas, gallbladder and the liver. The pancreas produces some enzymes that can digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The pancreas secretes an alkaline fluid in the small intestine that creates a favourable condition for the action of intestinal enzymes.