Large intestine – structure and functions

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The large intestine is the end of the digestive tract, about 2 meters long.

It consists of the cecum, ascending, transverse and descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum with an anus. Each section consists of a layer of mucosa lining the lumen of the large intestine, layers of muscles whose contractions are responsible for peristaltic movements, and a layer of the peritoneum that covers the intestine from the outside.

The function of the large intestine is to absorb water and mineral salts, thereby compacting the mass of food debris leaving the small intestine and forming stools. The lumen of the large intestine hosts many species of bacteria belonging to the physiological flora, including Escherichia coli, which is not dangerous to humans until it reaches the higher parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The role of these microorganisms is to prevent the development of pathogenic bacterial flora, as well as the production of vitamin K.

The Do.Best brand offers the high-quality Do! Fiber dietary supplement. The product supports the proper functioning of the intestines, strengthening their microflora and supporting digestive processes. You can buy Do! Fiber at an attractive price on medonetmarket.pl/.

The large intestine affects many diseases of various etiologies, including:

– inflammatory diseases with an infectious basis, i.e. dysentery most often caused by Shigella or amoeba

– Pseudomembranous colitis caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile

– inflammatory bowel disease presenting as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

– tumors

Constipation

– sigmoid diverticulosis

– in children there are birth defects, e.g. Hirschprung’s disease

bow. med. Aleksandra Czachowska

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