Large Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology

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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:

• Caecum
• Colon
• Rectum

Links

Pathology of the Small and Large Intestine