How long is the large intestine

The large intestine is an important organ tissue in the human body. It can absorb the water in food residues and then excrete the food residues out of the body in the form of feces. It is an important part of the digestive system. The length of the large intestine is generally about 1.5 meters. The large intestine is different from the small intestine in morphology. Its caliber is relatively thick, but the intestinal wall is relatively thin. Let's take a look at this aspect.

The large intestine is divided into the cecum, appendix, colon, rectum and anal canal. It absorbs water from food residues, and the food residues themselves form feces and are discharged in a proper manner. The length of the large intestine is 1.5 meters, and the length of the small intestine is 5-6 meters. The upper end of the small intestine is connected to the pylorus and the stomach, and the lower end is connected to the large intestine through the cervix. It is divided into the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Digestion in the small intestine is crucial.

Anatomical location

The large intestine is located in the abdomen, with its upper opening connected to the small intestine at the cervix and its lower end connected to the anus. The upper end of the large intestine is called the "ileum", which includes the ileum and the upper part of the colon in modern anatomy; the lower part is called the "colon", which includes the sigmoid colon and rectum. The large intestine is also a cavity organ, which is in a circular and stacked shape. Its main physiological function is to transport waste and control body fluids.

Physiological functions

1. Mainly transmit the food residue from the small intestine: The large intestine receives the food residue from the small intestine, absorbs the excess water and forms feces. The movement of the large intestine's qi transfers feces to the end of the large intestine and discharges it out of the body in a controlled manner through the anus, so the large intestine is known as the "organ of transmission."

2. The large intestine is responsible for fluid: The large intestine receives food residues containing a lot of water from the small intestine, absorbs the water and turns it into feces, which is the so-called drying effect. The large intestine absorbs water and participates in the metabolism of water in the body, so it is said that "the large intestine is responsible for water."

Malfunction

If the large intestine's waste transmission function is abnormal, abnormal bowel movements will occur, the most common of which are constipation or diarrhea. If dampness and heat accumulate in the large intestine, the large intestine's conduction function will be abnormal, and symptoms such as abdominal pain, tenesmus, and diarrhea with pus and blood will occur. If the large intestine's function of regulating body fluid is abnormal, the water in the large intestine cannot be absorbed, and the water and waste go out together, which may cause symptoms such as intestinal rumbling, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If the large intestine is full of heat, which consumes body fluid, or if the large intestine is deficient in body fluid and the intestine loses moisture, it will lead to constipation.