Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology
Revision as of 09:07, 12 July 2008 by Shamilton (talk | contribs) (→[[Hingut Fermenters - Anatomy & Physiology|Horse]])
Introduction
The large intestine extends from the ileum of the small intestine to the anus. It absorbs water from the ingesta and stores faeces prior to defeacation. Every species has a large microbial population living in the large intestine, which is of particular importance to the 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:
Structure
Function
Vasculature
Innervation
- Like the small intestine, the large intestine recieves sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation.
- Neurones interact with the myenteric plexus to affect contractility, and with the submucosal plexus to affect secretions.
- The sympathetic have coeliac, cranial mesenteric and caudal mesenteric ganglia.
- As the sympathetic fibres leave the ganglia, they surround their respective artery.
- Parasympathetic innervation stimulates peristalsis.
Lymphatics
Histology
- The muscosa of the large intestine is smooth; there are no villi.
- There are numerous scattered lymph nodules.
- Taenia may be present.
Species Differences
Carnivore
Ruminant
===[[Hind gut Fermenters - Anatomy & Physiology|Horse]]===
Pig
- Taenia present