Hello! Today we are going to talk about a very important part of our body, but sometimes we don't pay much attention to it. That is our colon. It is like a garbage disposal system in our house. It is this organ that helps to properly process the leftovers from the food we eat, that is, feces, and excrete them from the body. So, it is very important for you to know about this colon properly. Because, small problems, like constipation, can be related to it, from them to serious diseases like colon cancer.
What is the large intestine? What happens to it?
Simply put, your large intestine is the last part of your digestive system . After the food we eat has been digested in the small intestine and the nutrients have been absorbed into the body, the remaining liquid waste ends up in the large intestine. This is where some pretty amazing things happen.
Imagine, water and salts are absorbed back into the body from this liquid waste. Just like a sponge absorbs water. This is how the liquid waste gradually clumps together, thickens, and becomes the stool we know. Then, the muscle layers and tissues in the large intestine contract to push this waste out of the body.
Now you're probably wondering where this is and how big it is. Your large intestine is located inside your abdomen, like a loop around your small intestine. That means it starts at your right hip bone, goes up to your ribs, then goes through your stomach to your left, and then comes back down again. It's usually about 6 feet long (about 1.8 meters to be exact) and about 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) thick.
What are the parts of the large intestine?
Your large intestine is made up of three main parts: the colon, rectum, and anus . Each of these parts has a specific job, which is to properly expel food waste as feces.
Let's talk about the colon in detail.
The large intestine is the largest part of the large intestine. It also has five other parts. All of these work together to convert that liquid waste into feces and send it to the anus.
1. Cecum: This is the first part of the large intestine. It is about 3 inches (8 cm) long. The digested food waste from the small intestine first collects here. Then it is sent to the ascending colon. You may have heard of the appendix . It is attached to the end of the cecum.
2. Ascending colon: This is the second part. It is about 8 inches (20 cm) long. It is located from the cecum upwards, towards the transverse colon. Its main function is to absorb water and electrolytes from food waste . It then pushes the waste into the transverse colon.
3. Transverse colon: This is the longest part of the large intestine, and can be over 18 inches (46 cm) long. It is located in the upper part of your abdomen, running from right to left. It carries waste products to the descending colon.
4. Descending colon: This is about 6 inches (15 cm) long. It is located on the left side of your body. The process of turning food waste into feces continues here.
5. Sigmoid colon: So named because it is shaped like the letter "S". It is about 14-16 inches (35-40 cm) long. This is the last part of the large intestine. This is where the waste becomes completely solidified, forming the kind of stool you usually see in the toilet .
The first part of the rectum - the rectum
The rectum is about 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) long. By the time it reaches this point in the digestive process, about one-third of the liquid waste from the rest of the large intestine has been removed. For example, if about 16 ounces (474 ml) of liquid food waste enters the large intestine, about 5 ounces (148 ml) of it is left as stool. It is only when the stool reaches this rectum that you feel the need to go to the bathroom.
The place where feces come out - the anus (Anus)
This is the passageway for your stool to leave your body. It is about 2 inches (5 cm) long. There are two special rings of muscle in the anus, called sphincter muscles . They work like a door, or a water tap. These muscles control the passage of stool.
- Internal sphincter: This is a valve that opens and closes automatically. It opens automatically when stool comes.
- External sphincter: This is the one you can control. When you are ready to go to the toilet, you can control this and expel the stool.
When stool accumulates in the rectum, nerve signals cause the internal sphincter to relax. That's when you feel like you need to "find a toilet."
What does the large intestine look like?
It looks like a deflated, bent rubber tube. It has wrinkles like a vacuum cleaner tube. There is a vertical seam along the length of the colon. This seam makes the parts on the other side look bulging.
What are the common diseases that can occur in the colon?
Well, there are many diseases that can occur in the colon. Some of them are specific to the colon, rectum, or anus. Some of the most common problems are:
- Anal problems such as anal fissures and anal fistulas .
- Constipation: This is a problem that many people have.
- Colorectal cancer and colon polyps.
- Diarrhea.
- Inability to control the passage of feces (Fecal incontinence).
- Hemorrhoids: This is also very common.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
- A condition called (intestinal pseudo-obstruction) .
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Large bowel obstruction.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction means that the pelvic floor muscles do not function properly.
- Rectal bleeding and rectal prolapse.
Think about it, if you have a problem like this, the best thing to do is not to be shy and see a doctor.
What are the symptoms that can identify a colon problem?
If there's something wrong with your colon, your body will give you various signals to tell you. Here are some common signs:
- Changes in bowel habits: This means diarrhea, constipation, difficulty going to the toilet, or incontinence.
- Changes in stool: Changes such as blood in the stool, changes in the color of the stool, or changes in the consistency of the stool, such as it becoming more liquid or lumpy.
- Painful bloating and gas: This can be caused by a food intolerance.
- Feeling extremely tired all the time: While there are many reasons for this, intestinal problems can be one of them.
If you continue to have one or more of these symptoms, be sure to seek medical advice.
What tests are done to check colon health?
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer. This is especially important after age 45. If you have symptoms, your doctor may order additional tests, such as:
- Anorectal manometry: A test that measures the function of the muscles in the rectum.
- Barium enema: An X-ray test in which a barium solution is inserted into the rectum.
- Endoscopic ultrasound: An ultrasound examination performed using an endoscope.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A test that looks at the lower part of the large intestine.
- (Lower GI X-ray exam): An X-ray examination of the lower part of the digestive system.
- Proctoscopy: An examination of the rectum and lower part of the anus.
- Stool test: A test performed on a stool sample.
What are the treatments for colon diseases?
Treatment depends on the type of colon disease. Some common treatments include:
- Colectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the large intestine.
- Colostomy: A procedure in which one end of the large intestine is connected to the skin surface of the abdomen, creating a separate passage for feces to exit.
- (Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection)
- (Laparoscopic rectopexy)
- (Rectocele repair)
- (Transanal endoscopic microsurgery - TEMS)
Although these may seem like a bit complicated, the doctors will explain them to you clearly.
How can I keep my colon healthy?
Well, this is the most important part! There are many simple things we can do to keep our colon healthy.
1. Eat more fiber: Fiber is like a broom that sweeps our intestines. When these are in good condition, the muscles in our intestines are stimulated, and food waste moves down easily. Also, it helps to remove unnecessary things that have accumulated in the intestines. Green vegetables, fruits, and legumes are foods rich in fiber.
2. Eat good fats: Saturated fats , found in things like red meat, have been found to increase the risk of colon cancer. However, good fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish , help the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
3. Drink more water: Our intestines need a lot of water – to clean, lubricate, and absorb nutrients. Many of us don't drink enough water. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
4. Get a Colonoscopy: Colon cancer is a very common and preventable disease. Anyone can develop it. Symptoms may be late in the disease process. Therefore, getting regular colonoscopy is the best way to protect yourself from this cancer. Talk to your doctor to find out at what age and how often you should get this test.
Finally, remember
The final stage of our digestive process is the formation and elimination of stool. If you notice anything different when you go to the bathroom – okay, when you can’t go – it could be a problem with your colon. As we’ve discussed, there are many diseases that affect the colon. Some are serious, some are not so serious. However, if you notice a change in your bowel habits, a change in the color of your stool, or bloating, it’s best to talk to a doctor about it. They can then diagnose your problem and prescribe treatment if necessary.
But, remember, simple lifestyle changes can keep your colon healthy. And, even if you don't have symptoms, getting regular colonoscopy exams is one of the most powerful ways to protect your colon!
Wishing you good health!
` Large intestine, large intestine, digestive system, feces, constipation, diarrhea, colonoscopy
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