Knowing the Anatomy and Function of the Large Intestine

Did you know that the large intestine consists of several parts? And do you know what functions and diseases exist in the large intestine? If not, let's consider the following explanation. One of the digestive organs in the human body is the large intestine. If stretched, the length of the large intestine can reach approximately 1.5-2 meters.

Anatomy of the Large Intestine

The large intestine consists of four parts, namely the cecum, colon, rectum, and anus.

• Sekum

This part of the large intestine is shaped like a bag that connects the ileum (the end of the small intestine) with the colon.

• Colon

This is the longest part of the large intestine and is divided into four parts:
• Ascending colon, located on the right side in the abdominal cavity.
• Transverse colon, transverse from right to left at the top of the abdominal cavity.
• The descending colon, is located on the left side of the abdominal cavity.
• Sigmoid colon, the end of the colon that is connected to the rectum.

• Rectum

The stool is stored until it is finally removed through the anus.

• Anus

The last part of the large intestine.

Large Intestine Function

Large intestine has a function that is not small in digesting food to throw it out of the body. The functions of the large intestine include:

• It absorbs nutrients (for example vitamin K) and water from the food and drinks we consume.
• Processing leftovers and drinks with the help of good bacteria in the intestines. This bacterium also has other functions, such as synthesizing various vitamins and protecting the intestine from harmful bacteria that can cause disease.
• Forming or changing stool from liquid to solid.
• Absorb bile. Almost all of the bile left in the digestive process will be absorbed in the small intestine, but the remnants of bile that are still present in the digested food will be reabsorbed by the large intestine.
• Save the stool to be removed.
• Throwing stool out of the body.

Diseases of the Large Intestine

Well, of the many diseases that exist in the digestive tract, some of which originate in the large intestine. What kind of illness is that?

• Diarrhea

This condition is usually caused by a viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection that makes the stool runny and not solid. Diarrhea can also be caused by other things such as food poisoning, impaired absorption of nutrients, intestinal inflammation, and side effects of drugs.

• Colon cancer

Research shows that the risk of colon cancer or colon cancer will increase if we eat foods low in fiber and high in fat. Colon cancer is also influenced by heredity.

• Colonic polyps

The growth of small tissues in the colon that can develop into cancer.

• Colitis

Colonic inflammation that is usually caused by an infection or inflammatory bowel disease.

• Ulcerative colitis

Disease that causes inflammation and sores or ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. Usually in the sigmoid colon and rectum, but did not rule out also appearing in other parts of the large intestine.

• Crohn's disease

Inflammation in the digestive tract that can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Crohn's disease can increase the risk of colon cancer.

• Large bowel bleeding

Bleeding in the large intestine is a symptom of a condition or disease that occurs in the lower gastrointestinal tract or large intestine. Some diseases that can cause colon bleeding are intestinal inflammation, colon cancer, infection, diverticulosis, and hemorrhoids.

• Diverticulosis

The emergence of small sacs (diverticula) in the intestinal lining, due to pressure from gas, food waste, or liquid. This condition is most common in the sigmoid colon.

So that our large intestine can digest food and function properly, and avoid various diseases, eating healthy food is the key. Foods that are clean, high in fiber, and low in calories, such as fruits and vegetables, are very important for colon health. A healthy large intestine is able to get rid of leftovers that are not needed by the body. Screening or examination to detect early colon cancer is recommended to be done every 1-5 years, or according to doctor's recommendations. Early examination is important so that colon cancer can be detected early, because the earlier colon cancer is detected and treated, the higher the cure rate. If there are problems around the health of the large intestine, you can consult a doctor to get further examination and treatment.