Explain the function of the colon and name its five sections.
Answer (1)
The colon is an essential part of the digestive system in the human body. It is a component of the large intestine, and its main function is to absorb water and salts from the food remnants that have passed through the small intestine. Moreover, the colon is responsible for the storage and eventual evacuation of fecal material.
The colon is divided into five main sections:
Cecum : This is the first section of the colon, located at the junction between the small intestine and the large intestine. It receives the digestive chyme from the ileum of the small intestine.
Ascending Colon : This section travels upward on the right side of the abdomen. Its primary function is to continue absorbing water and salts.
Transverse Colon : Positioned horizontally across the abdomen, the transverse colon continues the process of absorption and moves waste material onward.
Descending Colon : This section travels downward on the left side of the abdomen. It helps in further processing the waste material by absorbing more fluids from it.
Sigmoid Colon : This is the S-shaped last part of the colon, leading into the rectum. It stores fecal wastes until they are ready to be expelled from the body.
Through its coordinated activities, the colon plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as in the effective disposal of undigested food residues.
