Digestion In The Large Intestine - Info Dear

Digestion In The Large Intestine

Large Intestine function:-

          The large intestine is the last part of the gastrointestinal tract. The large intestine is also called large bowel. The large intestine absorbs water from the remaining products of the food coming from the small intestine and the waste materials stored in a sac-like structure called rectum and then removed from the body through the anus. These waste materials are called feces.

Digestion In The Large Intestine - Info Dear

Large intestine length:-

         The large intestine is about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long and divided into three parts which are given below

The large intestine consists of three parts:-

•  Cecum
•  Colon
•  Rectum

Cecum:-

            The caecum is a blind sac that projects from the large intestine between ileum and colon. From the blind end of the caecum, these arise finger-like structure called appendix.

Define appendicitis:-

         Sometimes the appendix which is present at the end of the caecum (caecum is the part of large intestine) get inflamed due to entrapping and then purification of food cause severe pain in abdominal cavity this condition is called appendicitis. The removal of appendix surgically is the only treatment of appendicitis.

Colon Anatomy:-

         The material that passes from the small intestine to the large intestine contains a large amount of water, dissolved salt, and undigested material. Water and salt are absorbed in the colon while another indigested material is rejected as feces. The colon is divided into four parts

•  Ascending Colon             (move upward in the abdomen)
•  Transverse Colon             (move across the abdomen)
•  Descending Colon            (Move downward in the abdomen)
•  Sigmoid Colon                 (it is a short curving of colon just before rectum)

Rectum:-

           The rectum is the last and lower part of the large intestine. The rectum is a blind sac-like structure of about 15 cm (6 inches) long. The rectum is connected with the sigmoid colon. Rectum temporarily stores all the waste material or feces coming from the colon. When the rectum filled with the feces then all the feces removed from the rectum through the anus.

End sphincter:-

           The anus is surrounded by two sphincters the internal sphincter is made up of smooth muscles and external sphincter is made up of striped muscles. Normally when the rectum is filled up with feces it gives rise to defecation reflex. This reflex can be consciously inhabited in individuals other than infants. But, the children learn to bring this reflex under control.

Diarrhea:-

             Diarrhea is defined as the loose, watery feces. If a man has loose feces more than three times in one day when he is suffering from diarrhea. If the absorption of water and salt does not take place in large intestine due to some infection, drug action or emotional disturbance then this condition is called diarrhea. Due to the dehydration develops that may prove to be fatal.

Diarrhea cause:-

•  There are the main causes of diarrhea given below
•  Bacteria cause diarrhea present in food and water.
•  Viruses present in food and water like retrovirus cause diarrhea especially in children.
•  Parasites present in food and water also cause diarrhea.
•  Medicines like ant antibiotics, antacids (containing magnesium) and other drugs.
•  Emotional disturbance also cause diarrhea.
•  Some people develop intestinal gas and diarrhea from consuming milk products because they lack the enzymes for the digestion of lactose in milk.

Treatment of Diarrhea:-

There are the following steps which can be useful in diarrhea.

•  Consume food like banana, rich, peanut etc. that makes slower the movement of food in the intestine for the absorption of more water.
•  Avoid food that produces gas and promotes diarrhea like fatty or fried food, spicy food etc.
•  Maintain the hygienic lifestyle.
•  Drink plenty of purified water to improve the water requirement of the body.
•  Diarrhea cause dehydration in the body which means the sudden loss of water and salt. Take some fluid containing water and salt to improve body requirement this type of fluid is called ORS (oral rehydration Solution)
•  Take antibiotic medicine if the diarrhea is caused by bacteria or parasite.

Constipation:-

           When the water and the salts absorbed excessively in large intestine then the remaining wastes become thicker due to lack of the water that makes the bowel movement slow and the total digestive become disturbed. The feces or stools removed in very small quantity and become harder and create a sensation of belly bloating this condition is known constipation.

Constipation Symptoms:-

•  Slow bowel movement
•  Having bowel become difficult
•  Hard and small stools
•  Belly bloating sensation

Constipation causes:-

•  Bowel obstruction
•  Colon cancer
•  Rectal cancer
•  Bowel stricture
•  rectocele

Constipation Treatment:-

There are the steps which can be useful for the treatment of the constipation

•  Consume the food containing a high amount of fiber like vegetables, fruits, whole grain etc.
•  Avoid the food containing a low amount of fiber like dairy and meat products.
•  Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
•  Try to manage stress and stay happy.
•  Do not ignore the urge to pass stool.
•  Create a regular time for defecation movement.
•  Stay active and try to take exercise daily.
•  Take medicines with the recommendation of your doctor.