Large Intestine: Definition, Function, Diagram, Examples

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Sep 19, 2024 11:29 AM IST

The digestive system is a manifold of organs and glands involved in food processing. The large intestine is an important structure of the digestive system and as such, it plays a vital role in water absorption and electrolyte turnover process. It is also another dimension of faecal production and storage while it harbours some friendly bacteria helpful in various functionalities of the body.

Latest: NEET 2024 Paper Analysis and Answer Key

Don't Miss: Most scoring concepts for NEET | NEET papers with solutions

New: NEET Syllabus 2025 for Physics, Chemistry, Biology

NEET Important PYQ & Solutions: Physics | Chemistry | Biology | NEET PYQ's (2015-24)

This Story also Contains

Large Intestine Anatomy
Functions Of Large Intestine
Large Intestinal Microbiota
Common Disorders Of The Large Intestine
Treatment And Management
The Video Recommended On Large Intestine:

Large Intestine: Definition, Function, Diagram, Examples

Large Intestine Anatomy

It is further divided into :

Cecum

It is the beginning of the large intestine.
It is attached to the small intestine.

Colon

Ascending Colon: Goes up the right side of the abdomen
Transverse Colon: Crosses the abdomen from right to left.
Descending Colon: Goes down the left side.
Sigmoid Colon: This is an S-shaped segment that leads into the rectum.

Rectum

The final part of the large intestine acts as a storage site for faeces before they are expelled.

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics

Know Most Scoring Concepts in NEET 2024 Based on Previous Year Analysis

Know More

Anal Canal

This is the last part of the digestive tract through which the faeces are expelled.

Diagram: Large Intestine

1723898821041

Functions Of Large Intestine

The large intestine carries out certain important functions like:

Absorption of Water and Electrolytes: The reabsorption of water and key electrolytes from indigestible food matter.
Formation and Storage of Feces: The waste is formed into solid stool and the process stores it until defecation.
Microbial Fermentation: This system also contains bacteria that can ferment undigested carbohydrates to short-chain fatty acids.
Vitamin Production: Certain intestinal microbes synthesise biologically essential Vitamins, such as Vitamin K and B vitamins.

Large Intestinal Microbiota

There is a huge diversity in the population of microorganisms in the large intestine:

Types of Microorganisms Present: Representative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Role in Health and Disease: Beneficial bacteria work in digestion and immunity.
On the contrary, any type of imbalance leads to diseases.
Role in Metabolic Processes and Immunity: The gut microbiota influences metabolic processes and helps to protect against pathogens.

Common Disorders Of The Large Intestine

Some common disorders of the large intestine are:

Constipation: Difficulty in passing stools or infrequent bowel movements.
Diarrhea: Frequent watery bowel movements.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic disorder characterised by abdominal pain and bloating, associated with changes in bowel habits.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Represents Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
These are conditions characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Colorectal Cancer: Cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is usually identified with screening tests.

Treatment And Management

Maintaining good health in the large intestine can be achieved in various ways:

Dietary Changes: Increased intake of fibre, and water and avoidance of trigger foods.
Medications: Laxatives in case of constipation, anti-diarrheal drugs in diarrhoea, anti-inflammatory in the inflamed lining of the intestine, and antibiotics in case of infection.
Surgical Interventions: Surgery may be performed in severe conditions in which removal of diseased parts of the intestine is necessary.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: Supplements for maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

Conclusion

A good large intestine works in hand with one's well-being. Proper eating habits, regular checkups with a doctor, and knowledge related to gut health will prevent and manage disorders. Further study of the gut microbiome in humans will be always required in the future for understanding and development of advanced treatments against intestinal diseases.

The Video Recommended On Large Intestine:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the function of the large intestine?

The primary functions of the large intestine include absorbing water and electrolytes, forming and storing faeces, and housing gut microbiota.

2. How is the large intestine different from the small intestine?

The large intestine is wider and shorter than the small intestine, primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, and is involved in the formation of faeces, while the small intestine is responsible for nutrient absorption.

3. What are common diseases affecting the large intestine?

Common diseases include constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer.

4. How can a healthy large intestine be maintained?

Maintaining a healthy large intestine involves a high-fibre diet, staying hydrated, regular exercise, and avoiding processed foods.

5. What role do probiotics play in large intestine health?

Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiota, which is crucial for digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being.