We also explore some common conditions that can affect the colon and how people can support their colon health. The colon, also called the large intestine, is a section of the digestive tract.
It processes any food material that the small intestine did not digest by absorbing water and minerals from it. This section also maintains a healthy population of bacteria that are essential in the absorption of nutrients elsewhere in the gut.
Food moves through the colon through a process called peristalsis, which is wave-like muscle contractions. This action mixes and shifts the liquid food material back and forth, allowing the colon to absorb water and minerals.
There are four sections of the colon. They work together to absorb water and other nutrients from the waste material to prepare for excretion. These include:. IBS is a name for a group of symptoms that include painful abdominal cramping, diarrhea , constipation , and bloating. The exact cause of IBS is unclear, but a number of factors can influence its development, such as gastrointestinal infections, stress , anxiety , and a family history of the condition.
The American Gastroenterology Association also cites impaired function or coordination of the digestive muscles, an increase in sensations of pain in the internal organs, and brain-gut dysfunction. Diverticulosis is a disease that causes small pouches, known as diverticula, to bulge outward throughout the colon. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, doctors call this diverticulitis. The risk of developing diverticulitis increases with age, and a low fiber diet is another risk factor.
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, also called ulcers, in the lining of the colon and rectum.
It typically starts between ages 15—39 and often runs in families. Many types of medication can treat ulcerative colitis, but if it is severe, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the colon. A polyp is an extra mass of cells that grows somewhere inside the body. Colonic polyps are polyps that grow in the colon. Most of the time, polyps are not a cause for concern, but some can become cancerous. The chance of forming polyps is higher for people aged over 50 and people with a personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer.
Most of the time, polyps do not present with any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include blood in the stool, diarrhea, or constipation that lasts longer than a week. Doctors can remove polyps when they examine the colon during a colonoscopy. Learn how to prepare for a colonoscopy here.
Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors develop in the lining of the large intestine. The risk is higher in people with:. Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage and progression of cancer. Some treatment options include chemotherapy , surgery, and radiation therapy. Some specific factors that may improve colon health or reduce the risk of disease include :. Most people have abdominal pain at some time.
It branches from the ileocolic artery and may branch further to the…. The anterior cecal vein is a blood vessel in the large intestine. Specifically, it serves the side of the organ that features the vermiform appendix…. The small intestine is made up of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Together with the esophagus, large intestine, and the stomach, it forms the…. The pancreas is a glandular organ that produces a number of hormones essential to the body. It forms an integral part of the digestive system.
A molar tooth is located in the posterior back section of the mouth. It is found in most mammals that use their posterior teeth to grind food…. The gastroepiploic artery refers to a group of blood vessels that are found in the abdomen and stomach. The artery is separated into two parts known….
The vagus nerve is the longest of the 12 cranial nerves. Here, learn about its anatomy, functions, and the kinds of health problems that can occur.
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. The transverse colon is the lengthy, upper part of the large intestine. Read this next. Jejunum Overview. Masseter Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network. Posterior cecal artery Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network. Anterior cecal vein Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network.
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