Title: The Large Intestine | Boundless Anatomy and Physiology
Headings: The Large Intestine
The Large Intestine
Anatomy of the Large Intestine
Key Points
Key Terms
Function and Form of the Large Intestine
Differences Between Large and Small Intestine
Additional Structures
Histology of the Large Intestine
Key Points
Key Terms
Histology of the Large Intestine
Bacterial Flora
Key Points
Key Terms
Bacterial Flora
Bacteria and Vitamins
Bacteria and Antibodies
Digestive Processes of the Large Intestine
Key Points
Key Terms
Overview of the Large Intestine
Gut Flora
Gut Flora and Specialized Digestion
Fermentation
Absorption and Feces Formation in the Large Intestine
Key Points
Key Terms
Intestinal Bacteria
Water and Cellulose
Defecation Reflex
Key Points
Key Terms
Examples
Defecation

Content: Histology of the Large Intestine
Colon biopsy: Micrograph of a colon biopsy. The large intestine, or large bowel, is the last part of the digestive system in vertebrate animals. Its function is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter, and then to pass the useless waste material from the body. The large intestine consists of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal. It starts in the right iliac region of the pelvis, just at or below the right waist, where it is joined to the bottom end of the small intestine. From here it continues up the abdomen, across the width of the abdominal cavity, and then it turns downward, continuing to its endpoint at the anus. The large intestine differs in physical form from the small intestine in being much wider. The longitudinal layer of the muscularis is reduced to three strap-like structures known as the taeniae coli—bands of longitudinal muscle fibers, each about 1/5 in wide. These three bands start at the base of the appendix and extend from the cecum to the rectum.