What is the large intestine function in the digestive system

This article – the fifth in a six-part series describes the physiology and functions of the large intestine, the last portion of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as common conditions of both the small and large intestine

Abstract
In the large intestine – the final section of the gastrointestinal tract – absorption of water and electrolytes takes place and colonic bacteria complete the process of chemical digestion. The large intestine is also where faeces are formed from the remains of food and fluid combined with by-products of the body. Intestinal content is pushed back and forth by haustral contractions and antiperistaltic contractions, until faeces are finally pushed towards the anal canal by mass movements. This article, the fifth in a six-part series exploring the gastrointestinal tract, describes the anatomy and functions of the large intestine.

Citation: Nigam Y et al (2019) Gastrointestinal tract 5: the anatomy and functions of the large intestine. Nursing Times [online]; 115: 10, 50-53.

Authors: Yamni Nigam is professor in biomedical science; John Knight is associate professor in biomedical science; Nikki Williams is associate professor in respiratory physiology; all at the College of Human Health and Sciences, Swansea University.
This article has been double-blind peer reviewed
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Overview

The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum. Material passes through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, and finally into the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled from the body.

Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.