The final section of the digestive tract that absorbs water and electrolytes and forms feces from undigested material.
Structure
The large intestine is about 1.5 meters long and includes the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum, and anal canal. Its outer surface bears pouches called haustra formed by longitudinal muscle bands.
Absorption
About 1.5 liters of fluid enter the large intestine each day; nearly all of it is reabsorbed. The mucosa also takes up sodium, potassium, and certain vitamins produced by resident bacteria.
Microbiota
Trillions of bacteria ferment undigested fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that nourish colon cells and synthesizing vitamins K and several B vitamins.
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Large Intestine starts with L and ends with E. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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