Large Intestine
The large intestine, also known as the colon, is the final part of the digestive system. It is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from undigested food, and for the formation and storage of feces before they are eliminated from the body.
Anatomy of the Large Intestine
The large intestine is divided into several parts, including the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. It is approximately 1.5 meters long and 6.5 centimeters in diameter.
Functions of the Large Intestine
- Water Absorption: The large intestine absorbs water from the undigested food, leaving a semisolid waste material.
- Formation of Feces: It helps in the formation of feces by absorbing salts and electrolytes, and by hosting beneficial bacteria that further break down undigested material.
- Storage of Feces: The large intestine stores feces until they are ready to be eliminated from the body through the rectum and anus.
Common Disorders of the Large Intestine
Some common disorders of the large intestine include:
- Constipation: Difficulty in passing stools due to the slow movement of waste material through the colon, leading to hard and dry stools.
- Diarrhea: Frequent passage of loose, watery stools due to the rapid movement of waste material through the colon, resulting in decreased water absorption.
- Colon Cancer: Cancer that develops in the colon and rectum, often starting as polyps that can be detected and removed during a colonoscopy.
Study Guide
To study the large intestine effectively, consider the following:
- Understand the anatomy of the large intestine, including its parts and their functions.
- Learn about the processes that occur in the large intestine, such as water absorption, formation of feces, and storage of feces.
- Explore the common disorders of the large intestine and their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
- Review the role of the large intestine in the overall digestive system and its importance in maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Understanding the structure and functions of the large intestine is crucial for comprehending the digestive process and its impact on overall health.
.◂Chemistry Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Gases
The resources above cover the following skills:
Physical Science
Energy - A. Energy is involved in all physical and chemical processes. It is conserved, and can be transformed from one form to another and into work. At the atomic and nuclear levels energy is not continuous but exists in discrete amounts. Energy and mass are related through Einstein's equation E=mc 2 . B. The properties of atomic nuclei are responsible for energy-related phenomena such as radioactivity, fission and fusion. C. Changes in entropy and energy that accompany chemical reactions influence reaction paths. Chemical reactions result in the release or absorption of energy. D. The theory of electromagnetism explains that electricity and magnetism are closely related. Electric charges are the source of electric fields. Moving charges generate magnetic fields. E. Waves are the propagation of a disturbance. They transport energy and momentum but do not transport matter.
Relate temperature to the average molecular kinetic energy.