The large intestine is the last part of the digestive system and is the part that processes undigested food left over from the small intestine. Its functions include absorbing water from food waste, balancing electrolytes, regulating intestinal flora and storing faeces. This region also performs functions such as regulating peristaltic movements in the intestine and moving faeces towards the anus. The large intestine plays an important role in the final stage of the digestive process, completing the absorption of digested nutrients and removing waste from the body.
There are three important components of normal bowel movement. Colonic transit time, stool consistency and faecal incontinence.
The large intestine is a critical component of the digestive system, and its function and anatomical features highlight the need for a basic understanding in health practice. This chapter covers the normal anatomy of the large intestine in detail, while also examining various diseases and conditions that occur in the clinical contex.