Also called: colon, bowel
The large intestine frames the small intestine and consists of the cecum, ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colon, rectum and anal canal. It absorbs water and electrolytes, forms and stores feces and hosts the gut microbiome. The superior and inferior mesenteric arteries supply it.
| Location | Around the periphery of the abdominal cavity, from the right iliac fossa to the anus. |
|---|---|
| Structure | Cecum with appendix, ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colon, rectum, anal canal; taeniae coli, haustra and epiploic appendages. |
| Function | Absorption of water and electrolytes, storage and elimination of feces, fermentation by gut bacteria. |
| Blood supply | Superior mesenteric artery (to the transverse colon) and inferior mesenteric artery (beyond); middle and inferior rectal arteries to the rectum. |
| Innervation | Vagus and pelvic splanchnic nerves (parasympathetic), superior and inferior mesenteric plexuses (sympathetic). |
3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.
The taeniae coli, three bands of longitudinal muscle, are a feature that distinguishes the colon from the small intestine and shorten it to form haustra.
The cecum, colon (ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid), rectum and anal canal.
Absorbing water and electrolytes and forming feces.
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