Merck Manual

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Large Intestine

By

Michael Bartel

, MD, PhD, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University

Reviewed/Revised Oct 2022
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The large intestine consists of the

  • Cecum and ascending (right) colon

  • Transverse colon

  • Descending (left) colon

  • Sigmoid colon (which is connected to the rectum)

The cecum, which is at the beginning of the ascending colon, is the point at which the small intestine joins the large intestine. Projecting from the cecum is the appendix, which is a small finger-shaped tube that serves no known function. The large intestine secretes mucus and is largely responsible for the absorption of water from the stool.

Locating the Large Intestine

Locating the Large Intestine

Intestinal contents are liquid when they reach the large intestine but are normally solid by the time they reach the rectum as stool.

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