The Colon

What is the function of the colon?

The colon is also known as the bowel, large intestine and is the end part of the digestive system. The large intestine is part of the alimentary tract extending from the ileo-caecal valve to the anus. It is approximately five feet long and an average of two and a half inches in diameter.
The large intestine can be divided into five sections, the caecum, ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid flexure.

The functions are as follows:
• Re-absorption of water, nutrients and vitamins
• Secretion of mucus to help the passage of waste
• Storage of faeces in the rectum(short term)
• Defecation, eliminate waste.