during colonoscopy, the ileocecal valve is used, along with the appendiceal orifice, in the identification of the cecum. this is important as it indicates that a complete colonoscopy has been performed. the ileocecal valve is typically located on the last fold before entry into the cecum, and can be located from the direction of curvature of the appendiceal orifice, in what is known as the bow and arrow sign.