Difference Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Sep 19, 2024 11:01 AM IST

The Human Digestive System

The digestive system is a complex web of organs dedicated to the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of wastes involved in digestion. For example, intestines, which include both small and large intestines, are involved in the digestion and absorption of food. This helps in retaining essential nutrients while passing out the waste products.

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The Human Digestive System
Small Intestine
Large Intestine
Table: Difference Between Small Intestine And Large Intestine
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Difference Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine

Small Intestine

The small intestine is a long, coiled tube about 4-6 meters in length.
It is divided into three portions: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Its main function is to digest and absorb nutrients from the ingested food.
Its inner surface is lined by numerous villi and microvilli, progressing to enlarge the surface for effective absorption.
Enzymes and digestive juices from the pancreas, liver, and its own glands aid in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, ensuring that vital nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Diagram: Small Intestine

Given below is the detailed diagram of the small intestine:

1723896894399

Large Intestine

The large intestine is about 1.5 meters long and consists of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.
It absorbs significant amounts of water and electrolytes from indigestible food material and, hence, forms semi-solid stools.
Unlike the small intestine, it does not have villi but has haustra or pouches, which help with the segmentation movement and passage of waste
The large intestine also contains quite a respectable resident population of gut bacteria that can ferment undigested carbohydrates, producing valuable vitamins of the types of Vitamin K and some of the B complex
It stores faecal matter until it is excreted from the body.

Diagram: Large Intestine

Given below is the detailed diagram of the large intestine:

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Table: Difference Between Small Intestine And Large Intestine

Feature	Small Intestine	Large Intestine
Length	4-6 meters	1.5 meters
Diameter	2.5-3 cm	6-7 cm
Sections	Duodenum, jejunum, ileum	Cecum, colon, rectum, anal canal
Surface Area	Villi and microvilli increase surface area	Smooth with haustra
Primary Function	Digestion and absorption of nutrients	Absorption of water and electrolytes, formation of faeces
Histological Layers	Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa	Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa
Digestive Enzymes	Present (e.g., enterokinase, maltase)	None
Motility	Segmentation and peristalsis	Haustral churning, mass movements
Microbiota	Less abundant, mainly involved in nutrient digestion	Abundant, involved in fermentation and vitamin production
Diseases	Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, intestinal obstruction	Colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis

Conclusion

The small intestine is longer, narrower, and primarily involved in nutrient digestion and absorption, whereas the large intestine is shorter, wider, and focuses on water absorption and faeces formation. Maintaining the health of both intestines is vital for overall digestive health, as diseases affecting either can significantly impact nutrient absorption and waste elimination.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary function of the small intestine?

The main function of the small intestine is to break food into absorbable nutrients.

2. Describe the large intestine structure concerning the small intestine.

The large intestine is shorter, and wider, with Haustra and Teniae coli organs whereas the small intestine is longer, and narrower with villi and microvilli.

3. What disorders act on the small intestine?

The common diseases include Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and intestinal obstruction.

4. How does nutrient absorption differ in the small intestine versus the large intestine?

The absorption of nutrients in the small intestine happens with the help of its villi and microvilli, whereas the large intestine is mainly engaged in the absorption of water and electrolytes.

5. What role does the large intestine play in water absorption?

Water from undigestible material is absorbed in the large intestine and formed into faeces, which are excreted out of the body.