Knowra Large intestine Large intestine The digestive tract’s terminal section extends from the small intestine to the anus. It absorbs water and electrolytes while forming and storing feces.
Colon : The large intestine’s main section, extending from the cecum to the rectum. Most water and electrolyte absorption, along with fecal formation, occurs here.
Intestinal mucosa : The innermost lining of the intestine, containing epithelial cells, connective tissue, and immune cells. Its cells absorb water and electrolytes and form the barrier between contents and tissue.
Colorectal cancer : Cancer arising in the colon or rectum, most often from gland-forming epithelial cells. It is a major disease of the large intestine, with screening aimed at early detection.
Small intestine : The digestive tract section between the stomach and large intestine, where most nutrient absorption occurs. It absorbs most digested nutrients, while the large intestine chiefly recovers water and forms feces.
Cecum : A pouch at the junction of the small and large intestines. It receives material from the ileum and begins its passage through the large intestine.
Goblet cell : A mucus-secreting epithelial cell found in many mucosal surfaces. Goblet cells lubricate colonic contents and protect the intestinal lining.
Ulcerative colitis : A chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing continuous inflammation of the colon’s lining. It directly damages the large intestine and commonly causes bloody diarrhea.
Rectum : The final section of the large intestine, where feces are held before defecation. It is the terminal storage chamber before the anus.
Ileocecal valve : A sphincter-like structure regulating passage from the ileum into the cecum. It controls entry into the large intestine and limits backflow.
Short-chain fatty acids : Fatty acids produced chiefly when gut microbes ferment dietary fiber. Colonic cells use these microbial products as an energy source.
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