The GUT Foundation

Large Intestine

The large intestine is a muscular tube about two metres long consisting of the colon and retum and its main fuction is to absorb water and allow fibre and starch to be broken down by bacteria. The produces valuable fatty acids that nourish the cells in the colon. It is also normal for this process to generate gas, which may trouble some people. The bacteria and any food residues pass along to become faeces.

The rate of movement of the residue is determined by muscular action. If there is too much action, diarrhoea occurs - if there is too little, constipation results. Normally the movement of the colon is well co-ordinated, but it is a complex system and if the rhythm is disturbed, pain and alterations in bowel habit can occur.

The rectum at the lower end of the large intestine is normally empty but regularly fills up to produce the urge to defaecate. The muscular action in the anal canal, which is connected to the rectum, prevents the involuntary passing of faeces, but can relax enough to allow wind to escape.

developed by Jabbawoki

The Gut Foundation

The GUT Foundation

Large Intestine

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