Colon Function

The colon function is several fold. Located in the abdomen, it is a very large organ whose function is to aid in the process of digestion and waste elimination. The colon, also called the large intestine is the last leg of the journey. Food passes through the esophagus to the stomach, then onto the small intestine and finally the large intestine.

Anatomy of the Colon

To understand the colon function, a quick lesson in anatomy will help. The large intestine starts at the cecum where the small intestine enters into the large intestine. The cecum sits at the bottom right side of the abdomen and goes into the ascending colon that moves up towards the liver. From the ascending colon, the large intestine moves into the transverse colon that runs right to left across the abdomen. Finally, the transverse colon becomes the descending colon as it moves down the left-hand side of the torso and becomes the Sigmoid colon. The Sigmoid colon is on the lower left of the abdomen and gradually becomes the rectum. It is called the Sigmoid colon because it is “S” shaped.

Function of the Cecum

The first part of the large intestine is the cecum. It is shaped like a pouch and contains a valve through which the small intestine dumps its chyme or partially digested food. The chyme consists of the fibrous part of the food that could not be digested, some water, a few vitamins and minerals and salts. The cecum takes this bolus of material and through contractions of the cecum it moves the food to the ascending colon.

How Does The Colon Function?

Shaped like an upside down “U”, the colon is quite long and can be between 5-6 feet long in the average adult. As the bolus of food moves from the cecum to the colon it mixes with mucus produced by goblet cells that line the colon wall. Bacteria in the colon work on the fiber and break it down to provide food for itself and the cells that line the colon. This is the beginning of the formation of the fecal material. The feces are quite watery at first. As it moves through the colon, water is absorbed into the body as well as some of the minerals and vitamins. The final colon function is to store the feces in the Sigmoid colon until it is time for elimination. The fecal matter then moves into the rectum and out through the anus.

Colon Function- Problems

There are many issues that can arise in the large intestine. Attached to the cecum is the appendix and this can become inflamed and lead to appendicitis. Low fiber in the diet or excess build up of fecal matter in the colon can lead to constipation. Conversely, a virus or allergy to a certain food can lead to diarrhea. Consistent intestinal pain with bloating, cramps and gas can be the result of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Hemorrhoids can lead to rectal bleeding. Blood in the stool can also be a result of colon cancer. Other problems that can directly affect the colon include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis and polyps. To help alleviate some of these problems consider using a colon cleansing product. A colon cleanser can help rid the body of built up fecal matter that can cause a lot of health problems.