How long is an adult's large intestine

As a person eats, the small intestine digests and absorbs up to of the nutrients that become fuel. What remains then passes to the colon.

The main role of the colon is to process indigestible food material.

More specifically, the colon:

• absorbs water
• absorbs electrolytes, such as potassium and chloride
• absorbs vitamins
• forms and pushes feces to the rectum for excretion

The colon is uniquely capable of breaking down indigestible matter because it hosts large populations of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea.

Together, these contribute to the gut microbiome.

The microbiome is essential for digestion, and it helps generate nutrients that the body needs. The populations of microorganisms also influence immunity.

Learn more about the microbiome in our dedicated hub.

The colon is made up of five parts:

• the cecum
• the ascending colon
• the transverse colon
• the descending colon
• the sigmoid colon

The cecum, pronounced “see-kum,” is also called the “proximal right colon.”

It is a small pouch

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