Translations:Gastrointestinal tract/11/en

The large intestine, also called the colon, forms an arch starting at the cecum and ending at the rectum and anal canal. It also includes the appendix, which is attached to the cecum. Its length is about 1.5 m, and the area of the mucosa in an adult human is about 2 m² (22 sq ft). Its main function is to absorb water and salts. The colon is further divided into:

1. Cecum (first portion of the colon) and appendix
2. Ascending colon (ascending in the back wall of the abdomen)
3. Right colic flexure (flexed portion of the ascending and transverse colon apparent to the liver)
4. Transverse colon (passing below the diaphragm)
5. Left colic flexure (flexed portion of the transverse and descending colon apparent to the spleen)
6. Descending colon (descending down the left side of the abdomen)
7. Sigmoid colon (a loop of the colon closest to the rectum)
8. Rectum
9. Anal canal