Chyme is thoroughly processed by the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum before it enters the terminal ileum. It is then stored in the hollow lumen of the terminal ileum as it awaits the opening of the ileocecal sphincter. Small masses of chyme are pushed into the cecum by waves of peristaltic contraction of the walls of the terminal ileum coordinated with the opening of the ileocecal sphincter. While the chyme is stored, Peyer’s patches lining the walls of the terminal ileum examine the contents of the chyme for any potentially dangerous pathogens.