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Colon Anatomy
The colon, also known as the large intestine, is a vital part of the digestive system, providing the final purification process before solid waste is expelled from the body. In its entirety, the colon is generally about five feet in length, and two or three inches in diameter.
Colon anatomy is designed to remove water and salts from this waste material before it reaches the rectum. Hollow in shape and muscular in structure, the colon also serves as a storage area for waste before it is eliminated.
Human colon anatomy includes four distinct sections, including the following.
Main Parts of Colon Anatomy
These parts of the colon are generally located in the abdominal cavity, though colon anatomy may vary slightly depending on the individual. In sum, they form a long and winding road through which waste travels on its way to the rectum.
Ascending Colon
Located in the abdominal cavity, the ascending colon is generally described as the first section of colon anatomy. Rising upward, it finds itself traveling behind and just beneath the right-hand section of the liver, is in contact with the back wall of the abdominal cavity, and passes directly in front of the right kidney.
Transverse Colon
The transverse colon is the longest and most mobile part of colon anatomy. Forming an elegant arch shape, it is framed by the liver and gall bladder on its upper surface, the small intestine directly below, and culminates in a sharp turn that leads into the next section of colon anatomy, the descending colon.
Important Note:
Because it is the longest part of the colon, the transverse colon is the part of colon anatomy most likely to develop colon cancer. Special attention should be paid to this section.
Descending Colon
Sloping downward as its name suggests, this third section of colon anatomy continues the journey of waste closer than ever to the end goal of expulsion from the body. It passes straight down to the side of the left kidney and the left portion of the abdominal wall. At the end it connects to the final portion of colon anatomy, the sigmoid colon.
Sigmoid Colon
The sigmoid colon is the section closest to the outside world, and enjoys a freedom of movement that the rest of the parts of colon anatomy don’t exhibit. While it normally is contained within the pelvis, it can at times extend into the abdominal cavity, forming a loop that lies behind the bladder in men, and the uterus in women. Picking up where the descending colon left off, it eventually ends in the rectum.
These are the four parts of colon anatomy, forming the colon in its entirety. Muscular yet sensitive in nature, these four parts themselves are composed of unique building blocks.
Composition of the Colon:
- Lymphatic tissue
- Blood vessels
- Connective tissues
- Specialized muscles
All together, when in working order, colon anatomy provides an often overlooked yet extremely important function as the final gatekeeper for the digestive system.
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