The large intestine is a component of the digestive system, which extends through it to assist the body in some important functions. Continue reading the article to know where the large intestine is located in humans? What is its length and function? In addition to the most important diseases that may be infected.

What is the large intestine?

The large intestine (in English Large Intestine) is the last part of the digestive system, and it is sometimes called the colon as well, and it is a tube through which food moves, and this tube begins from the small intestine to ends at the anus.

The colon consists of four parts:

• Ascending colon: It is the first part of the large intestine. It starts just after the cecum (a pocket-like structure at the end of the ileum, one of the parts of the small intestine) on the lower right side of the abdomen and ascends to the abdominal area under the diaphragm.
• Transverse colon: This part extends horizontally across the abdomen from right to left.
• Descending colon: This part of the large intestine runs down along the left side of the abdomen, where it lies below the diaphragm in the upper part of the abdomen into the left pelvic area.
• Sigmoid colon: It is the last part of the large intestine, and is S-shaped, located between the colon and rectum on the lower left side of the abdomen.

The colon is also made up of four layers of tissue, including:

• Mucosa: This is the innermost layer, and consists of simple columnar epithelium; making it soft, and mucus glands are secreted into the inner cavity of the large intestine; This will lubricate their surface and protect it from abrasive food particles.
• Submucosa: Surrounding this layer is the mucosa, which is a layer of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that supports the other layers of the large intestine.
• Muscularis: The submucosa is surrounded by muscle, and contains many layers of muscle cells that contract and move waste through the large intestine in a process known as peristalsis.
• Serosa: It is the outer layer, a thin layer of simple squamous epithelial tissue, and secretes a watery fluid that lubricates the surface of the colon and protects it from damage from contact with other organs in the abdomen, as well as the bones and muscles of the lower part that surrounds it.

What is the length of the large intestine in humans?

The reason for giving this name to the large intestine is the diameter (width) of the intestine; It is much wider than the small intestine, but shorter as well. The length of the large intestine is about 6 feet, but in the case of a tortuous colon it may be longer than usual; In order to fit this tube into the abdomen.

function of the large intestine

Digested food passes from the small intestine to the colon through the ileocecal valve and the cecum, where it is liquefied in order to absorb most of the nutrients, then the remainder is dried and turned into stool for disposal.

The beneficial bacteria in the colon produce the following elements through fermentation, including:

• Vitamin K.
• Vitamin 7 (biotin).

What is the benefit of the bacteria in the large intestine?

Food mixes with beneficial bacteria in the colon, and these beneficial bacteria feed on waste and break it down further. To complete the chemical part of the digestive process.

Diseases of the large intestine

There are many medical conditions that can affect the health of the colon. Problems with the large intestine include:

Tips for maintaining the health of the large intestine

• Drinking water regularly, which helps keep the body hydrated, and thus helps to get rid of waste.
• Eat foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt.
• Eat foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables.
• Exercising regularly.
• chew food well; to help break it down.