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Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 14:39, 16 July 2008
, 14:39, 16 July 2008→Introduction
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. There is no secretion of enzymes and any digestion that takes place is carried out by microbes. 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 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. There is no secretion of enzymes and any digestion that takes place is carried out by microbes. 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.
===Development===
The caecum, ascending and part of the transverse colon have already been considered in the [[Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|development of the small intestine]]. The hindgut forms the portion of the transverse colon that lies to the left of the midline, the descending colon and cloaca. The anal membrane breaks down to allow communication with the exterior.
The large intestine can be divided into:
The large intestine can be divided into: