Transverse colon

Definition

The transverse colon is a part of the large intestine that stretches across the abdomen, connecting the ascending colon on the right side to the descending colon on the left. It plays a key role in absorbing water and salts from digested food.

Related terms

Ascending Colon: This is the first section of the large intestine that ascends from the cecum to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

Descending Colon: This part of the large intestine descends from the transverse colon to join with the sigmoid colon on the left side of the body.

Cecum:

A pouch connected to the junction of the small and large intestines, acting as a starting point for processed food to enter into large intestine