Large Intestine

Large Intestine

The Large Intestine is the final section of the gastrointestinal tract that performs the vital task of absorbing water and vitamins while converting digested food into feces. It is shorter than the small intestine but is significantly wider. The large intestine is also known as the large bowel or the colon.

Anatomy

The large intestine extends from the ileum to the anus. It is divided into the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal. In the human body, the length of the large intestine is on average 1.5 meters, which is about one-fifth of the whole length of the gastrointestinal tract.

Cecum

The cecum is a pouch-like structure located at the junction of the small and the large intestines. The ileocecal valve that connects the ileum and the cecum, controls the flow of chyme from the small intestine to the large intestine.

Colon

The colon is the largest part of the large intestine and is divided into four sections: the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, and the sigmoid colon. The main function of the colon is to extract water and salt from solid wastes before they are eliminated from the body.

Rectum and Anal Canal

The rectum and the anal canal are the final sections of the large intestine. The rectum stores feces until they can be eliminated from the body through the anal canal.

Function

The large intestine plays a crucial role in the digestion process. Its main functions are to absorb water and electrolytes, produce and absorb vitamins, and form and propel feces towards the rectum for elimination.

Diseases of the Large Intestine

There are several diseases and conditions that can affect the large intestine. These include colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

See Also

• Digestive system
• Human gastrointestinal tract
• Small intestine

Large Intestine Resources
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