Colon Location

Anatomy of the Colon

The colon or the large intestine is a 1.5 meter long, tube-like organ that is located in our abdomen. Different parts of the colon are located in different regions of the abdomen depending on the course of the large intestine. The colon location on the whole is described as being in an anatomical region of the abdomen called the “retroperitoneum”. The different parts of the colon are the ascending colon, the transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon and redundant colon. The first part of the colon, the ascending colon, is located on the right hand side of the abdomen and slightly behind the small intestine. The transverse colon location is in the peritoneal space. The transverse colon is present just below the stomach and is unique in that it is the only mobile portion of the large intestine. The next part, the descending colon is present between the transverse colon and the sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon is considered the last part of the large intestine. The sigmoid colon is “S- shaped” and is connected to the rectum.

Physiology and Functions of the Colon

The main function of the sigmoid colon is to propel fecal matter through its muscular tubes and into the rectum thereby promoting evacuation of the waste matter. Pathological lesions of the large intestine can sometimes be characteristic of the colon location and part. The ascending colon is usually more prone to formation of diverticuli and the transverse part of the colon is prone to kinking. Colon cancer is more common in the terminal parts of the colon, in the region of the sigmoid colon and the rectum. It is therefore also called colorectal cancer and is characterized by bleeding in the stools and pain during evacuation of the bowels.

Treatment Procedures

The treatment procedures for different colon related pathologies may involve surgery or, sometimes, just periodic observations depending on the underlying lesion and also the colon location. A routinely used diagnostic tool in the detection of colon disorders is the colonoscope. The colonoscope is, basically, a narrow tube that has a camera and a light fixed on one end. It is usually passed into the length of the colon through the rectum and it helps visualize the interiors of the colon. Sometimes, in certain colon locations like the redundant colon, the narrowness and the twisting course of the colon may pose a problem for smooth passage of the colonoscope through that particular region. Some colonoscopes help by performing functions beyond the basic diagnostic scope of the conventional instrument by cutting off small polyps or small benign tumors.

Colon Health Maintenance

Colon cleansing and irrigation is a procedure that reaches far into the colon through most of its length and helps rid the large intestine of unwanted mucous and toxins. Though a lot of patients have apprehensions before commencement of the procedure, almost all of them come out of it feeling more energetic and revitalized. In fact, a large percentage of patients report a greater degree of alertness and a better quality of general health after colon cleansing procedures.