Large Intestine Flashcards
What is the main function of the large intestine?
The absorption of ions and water
Where are some nutrients absorbed?
Some are absorbed in the proximal colon
What consistency are intestinal contents when entering the large bowel?
They are liquid, and the absorption of water in the colon produces a more solid mass
What do the muscles of the colon do?
They act to move the intestinal contents towards the anus
What are the three bands of longitudinal smooth muscle found in the large intestine known as?
Taeniae colon
What regions is the large intestine split into?
Caecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum and anal canal
What is the first section of the large intestine?
It is the caecum which begins at teh ileocaecal junction in the right inferior quadrant
What is found in the pouch of the small intestine?
Vermiform appendix
What are the 4 parts of the colon?
Ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid
How does the ascending colon travel?
Travels superiorly from the right lower to the right upper quadrant. It then forms a 90 degree bend into the descending colon
What is the 90 degree angle called?
The right colic flexure
How does the descending colon travel?
Travels from the left upper quadrant to the left lower quadrant then becomes a sigmoid colon
What is the sigmoid colon?
It is the S-shaped bit and connects the descending colon to the rectum
Where do the rectum and anal canal sit?
Within the pelvis cavity posterior to the vagina (in females) and prostate (in males)
