What is the Large Intestine?

The large intestine is the last part of the digestive system. It is a long, tube-like organ that absorbs water and minerals from the food that hasn’t been digested and forms solid waste (called feces or stool) to be removed from the body.

Parts of the large intestine and what the do:

1.

Cecum

• The cecum is like a small pouch or bag.

• It is the first part of the large intestine.

• It connects to the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine.

• Food from the small intestine enters the large intestine through the cecum.

• The appendix, a small tube-like structure, is attached to the cecum. (The appendix doesn’t help with digestion but can sometimes get infected.)

2.

Colon

This is the main and longest part of the large intestine.

It’s like a big pipe with four parts:

• Ascending colon

  • “Ascending” means going up.

  • This part goes up the right side of your belly.

  
  

• Transverse colon

  • “Transverse” means going across.

  • This part runs horizontally across the top of your belly, from right to left.

  
  

• Descending colon

  • “Descending” means going down.

  • This part goes down the left side of your belly.

  
  

• Sigmoid colon

  • This part is S-shaped (like a curve or loop).

  • It connects the descending colon to the rectum.

  • It helps push waste into the rectum.

3.

Rectum

• This is a short, straight tube at the end of the large intestine.

• It stores poop (solid waste) until it’s ready to come out.

• When the rectum is full, you feel the urge to go to the bathroom.

4.

Anus

• The anus is the final part of the digestive system.

• It’s the opening through which poop leaves the body.

• Muscles in the anus help control when to release the waste.