Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The large intestine extends from the [[Ileum - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]] of the [[Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]] to the anus. Water is absorbed from the ingesta and faeces are stored prior to defeacation. Every species has a large microbial population living in the large intestine, which is of particular importance to the [[Hindgut Fermenters - Anatomy & Physiology|hindgut fermenters]]. For this reason, hindgut fermenters have a more complex large intestine with highly specialised regions for fermentation.

The large intestine extends from the [[Ileum - Anatomy & Physiology|ileum]] of the [[Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]] to the [[Anus - Anatomy & Physiology|anus]]. Water, electrolytes and nutrients are absorbed, concentrating the ingesta into faeces. Faeces are stored prior to defeacation. No chemical digestion takes place; there is no secretion of enzymes. All species have a large microbial population living in the large intestine, which is of particular importance to the [[Hindgut Fermenters - Anatomy & Physiology|hindgut fermenters]]. For this reason, hindgut fermenters have a more complex large intestine with highly specialised regions for fermentation.

The large intestine can be divided into:

The large intestine can be divided into: