Difference Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine

The small and large intestines form integral parts of the digestive system, with each exhibiting different functions. The difference between the small and large intestines lies in their size, structure, and role. The small intestine, which is longer and narrower, is characterized by digesting food and absorbing nutrients, making it vital for energy and growth. This is one of the important topics for the human digestive system in Biology.

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This Story also Contains

1. The Human Digestive System
2. Small Intestine
3. Large Intestine
4. Difference Between Small Intestine And Large Intestine

The Human Digestive System

The digestive system is a system of organs, in which food is broken down to be absorbed and waste products excreted. It has two specific parts which are the small intestine and the large intestine. The main process of digestion and absorption occurs in the small intestine. However, the large intestine is mainly focused on absorbing water and forming waste products that need to be expelled from the body.

The small and large intestine has the structural difference between small and large intestine lies in the way that these two types of intestines differ from each other, though the larger intestine is smaller and the small intestine is longer and narrower.

The main function of the small intestine, particularly in class 10 studies, is to absorb nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream. The large intestine plays the role of absorbing water and eliminating waste in the digestive system. Getting to know what the small intestine and large intestine are, with their differences, is very fundamental in appreciating how the digestive system works.

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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:

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:

Difference Between Small Intestine And Large Intestine

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