The opening between the small intestine and the large intestine is guarded by

The opening between the ileum and caecum is guarded by ileo-caecal valve, which prevents the back flow of the faecal matter. The anal sphincter controls the release of the stool. There are two anal sphincters – external sphincter (voluntary) and internal sphincter (involuntary). The pyloric sphincter guards the opening between the stomach and the small intestine (duodenum). The cardiac sphincter guards the opening between the oesophagus and the stomach.