large intestine

what structure is this

cecum

what structure is this

cecum

what structure is red

appendix

what structure is this

appendix

what structure is this

appendix

what organ is this

large intestine

what structure is red

ascending colon

what structure is blue

transverse colon

what structure is yellow

descending colon

what structure is green

sigmoid colon

what structure is this

sigmoid colon

what structure is this

mesocolon

Large intestine

Location: Forms a three-sided frame around the small intestine in the abdominal cavity.

Function: Absorbs most remaining water, electrolytes, and vitamins from digested material, converting watery material into feces, and stores feces until defecation.

Cecum

Location: Right lower abdominal quadrant, inferior to the ileocecal valve.

Function: Receives material from the ileum as it enters the large intestine.

Appendix

Location: Projects downward from the posteromedial aspect of the cecum.

Function: Thin, hollow sac containing lymphoid nodules.

Ascending colon

Location: Begins at the ileocecal valve and travels superiorly along the right side of the abdominal cavity.

Function: Moves intestinal material upward toward the transverse colon.

Transverse colon

Location: Extends horizontally across the upper anterior abdominal cavity, from the right colic flexure to the left colic flexure.

Function: Moves material across the abdomen toward the descending colon.

Descending colon

Location: Extends inferiorly along the left side of the abdominal cavity, from the left colic flexure.

Function: Moves material downward toward the sigmoid colon.

Sigmoid colon

Location: Pelvic cavity, where the descending colon curves toward the midline.

Function: Moves fecal material toward the rectum.

Rectum

Location: Pelvic region following the sigmoid colon and superior to the anal canal.

Function: Stores accumulated fecal material prior to defecation.

Mesocolon

Location: Double layer of peritoneum connecting parts of the large intestine to the posterior abdominal wall.

Function: Attaches and supports the large intestine while providing a pathway for blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels.

Path of material through the large intestine

Cecum → Ascending colon → Transverse colon → Descending colon → Sigmoid colon → Rectum → Anal canal → Anus

Peritoneal status of large intestine regions

Intraperitoneal: Cecum, appendix, transverse colon, sigmoid colon

Retroperitoneal: Ascending colon, descending colon, rectum

Motility types in the large intestine

Peristaltic movements, haustral churning, and mass movements, which function to mix and propel material through the large intestine toward the rectum.

what structure is this

anus

describe anus location and function

Anus

Location: Terminal opening of the digestive tract, at the end of the anal canal.
Function: Allows feces to leave the body during defecation.
Key detail: Controlled by the internal and external anal sphincters.