Why intestines have muscles

The large intestine is made up of the following parts: Cecum: This first section of your large intestine looks like a pouch, about two inches long. It takes in digested liquid from the ileum and passes it on to the colon. Colon: This is the major section of the large intestine; you may have heard people talk about the colon on its own. The colon is also the principal place for water reabsorption, and absorbs salts when needed.

The colon consists of four parts: Ascending colon: Using muscle contractions, this part of the colon pushes any undigested debris up from the cecum to a location just under the right lower end of the liver. Transverse colon: Food moves through this second portion of the colon, across your front or anterior abdominal wall, traveling from left to right just under your stomach.

Descending colon: The third portion of colon pushes its contents from just near the spleen , down to the lower left side of your abdomen. Sigmoid colon: The final S-shaped length of the colon, curves inward among the coils of your small intestine, then empties into the rectum. Rectum: The final section of digestive tract measures from 1 to 1. Leftover waste collects there, expanding the rectum, until you go to the bathroom. At that time, it is ready to be emptied through your anus.

Fax: Emergency referrals are accepted 24 hours a day at Find a Doctor. Contact Us. Pay My Bill. Gender Male Female. Pittsburgh, PA Get directions to our main campus. Search our locations. The large intestine consists of the colon , rectum , and anal canal. The wall of the large intestine has the same types of tissue that are found in other parts of the digestive tract but there are some distinguishing characteristics. The mucosa has a large number of goblet cells but does not have any villi.

The longitudinal muscle layer, although present, is incomplete. The longitudinal muscle is limited to three distinct bands, called teniae coli, that run the entire length of the colon. Contraction of the teniae coli exerts pressure on the wall and creates a series of pouches, called haustra, along the colon. Epiploic appendages, pieces of fat-filled connective tissue , are attached to the outer surface of the colon. Unlike the small intestine, the large intestine produces no digestive enzymes.

The serosa forms a smooth, slimy outer layer so that the intestines do not become inflamed from contact with other organs or muscles during digestion and movement of the body. Various diseases can lead to problems in our intestines—from IBD and colon cancer to celiac disease. For the rest, check out our digestive diseases and conditions section. By: Tim Taylor. Last Updated: Aug 2, All Rights Reserved. Innerbody Research does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

This information is in no way intended to replace the guidance of your doctor. All Rights Reserved. About GI Motility. Normal Movements of the Digestive Tract. The small intestine has 3 segments: the duodenum the jejunum the ileum Each part or section performs an important role in nutrient absorption.

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Make a donation. Related Information. Research News. August 27, CVS in Adults. March 8, Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction. Personal Stories. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.