Large Intestine
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- Large Intestine (colon)
- Structure
- Ascending → Transverse → Descending → Sigmoid → Rectum
- Rectum stores feces until elimination through the anus
- Anus consists of sphincter muscles (internal and external)
- Absorbs water and inorganic ions (electrolytes)
- Absorbing too little water causes diarrhea (dilutes feces), and too much causes constipation (concentrates feces)
- Cholera is caused when bacteria attacks intestinal lining, which decreases water absorption and leads to death by dehydration
- Contains a variety of bacteria
- Aids in digestion of nutrients that our enzymes could not process alone
- Metabolize remaining carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids
- Synthesizes vitamins
- Structure