Large Intestine or Colon
- The large intestine, also called the colon, is about 6 cm wide and 1.5 m long.
- The large intestine absorbs water from the material remaining in the digestive tract.
- Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed along with the water.
- When most of the water has been removed from the undigested material, a solid waste matter called feces remains.
- Peristalsis propels the feces through the large intestine and into the rectum, the last few inches of the large intestine. Feces collected in the rectum are eliminated through the anus.
- Sometimes a disease or disorder prevents the large intestine from absorbing enough water – the result is diarrhea, or watery feces. Severe diarrhea can result in a loss of water, or dehydration, that can be fatal.