| How The Colon Functions |
| Written by The Editor | |
| Monday, 29 December 2008 22:01 | |
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What is the Colon? The Colon or Large intestine is a tubular structure within the abdomen that links the small intestine to the rectum. It is easy to think of the gastrointestinal tract as a long tube linking the mouth to the anus. The colon is the last part of this tract that is involved in absorption. It is made up of 4 layers; an inner lining of mucosa, a fatty submucosa, a thick muscle layer and an outermost serosa. The mucosa and submucosa is involved in water reabsorption while the muscle layer propels the waste towards the rectum and anus. The colon is further divided into different sections.The pouch-like segment that continues from the small intestines is called the caecum. This is also where the appendix arises, and is situated on the right side of the abdomen. The colon continues upwards on the right side as the ascending colon. It makes a sharp turn below the liver and continues horizontally across, as the transverse colon. At the left side of the abdomen, it makes another sharp 90 degree turn below the spleen and continues downwards as the descending colon. It then dilates slightly to form the sigmoid colon and continues on to join the vertical rectum which then links to the anus. The Functions of the Colon The colon has essentially 3 main functions: 1. Water Reabsorption – Which is why your stools are hard if you do not drink enough water (2 litres a day) 2. Waste Production and Excretion - Resident bacterial flora which serves to breakdown food that has not been absorbed by the body and prepares it for excretion. 3. Constant Regeneration of Inner Lining (Mucosa) of Colon – These cells are constantly shed and a new lining forms so that there remains an active barrier between the faecal matter and our body’s blood and fluids. Probably, one of the most popular topics on the internet concerning the colon is colon cleansing. SingaporeMedicalGuide.com examines the benefits of colon cleansing, not least by removing toxins from the body, improving energy levels as well as the immune system.
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 April 2010 18:37 ) |
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Health Colon Cleansing What Is The Colon And Its Functions
Health Colon Cleansing What Is The Colon And Its Functions