Colon Length

The colon, colloquially known as the large intestine is divided into different part, each with a specific function. The average colon length is about 1.5 meters or almost five feet. The colon, or the large intestine, is considerably shorter than the small intestine and also wider.

Parts and Normal Anatomy of the Colon

The different constituent parts of the colon are ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon that leads to the rectum and redundant colon. The ascending is related to parts of the small intestine and could be considered as the “first part” of the colon. The length of the ascending colon is about 25 cm. Next comes the transverse colon that has an average length of 45 cm. The transverse colon is usually the longest part of the colon, and connects the ascending with the descending colon. The descending colon has a length of about 15 cm and leads to the “S-shaped” or sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon length is about 40 cm. The sigmoid colon is the last part of the colon that ends at the rectum. One of the sigmoid colon’s most important functions is to propel feces from through its length into the rectum thereby facilitating defecation or bowel movements. Another variant part of the colon is the redundant colon. It is not always present. In some patients, the large intestine may have exaggerated loops or “extra” colon length. Although the redundant colon is an anatomical aberration, there has been no proof of any adverse effects related to its presence.

Functions of the Colon

The main function of the colon or the large intestine is the regulation of water excreted and also the storage and subsequent excretion of fecal matter. Although digestion is a main function of the large intestine, the colon does not produce any enzymes that aid in the digestion of food. Chemically mediated digestion is usually completed before the food enters the colon.

Pathological Conditions in Different Parts of the Colon

Pathological conditions like diverticuli, scarring and kinking is more commonly associated with the ascending and transverse parts of the colon. Throughout the entire colon length, the large intestine harbors several symbiotic bacteria. It is important that these bacteria not be killed (usually by excessive and injudicious use of antibiotics) as such a condition can have serious implication in the maintenance of normal body physiology.

Good Health Measures

Colon cleansing and irrigation procedures are different from enemas in that colon irrigation reaches far beyond the superficial regions of the rectum and through most of the colon length. This way, accumulated toxins and fecal matter that cannot be evacuated by means of an enema, especially the toxins that may be stuck in diverticuli, redundant colon and other hard to access parts of the colon, can be removed effectively. Colon cleanse procedures are usually painless procedures that will leave you revitalized and more energetic with a sense of never before experienced cleanliness. The reason why colon cleanse has become so popular is because it does not require any hospitalization. It is a quick procedure that can be finished in less than an hour and once this is done, patients more often than not continue to work.