Large intestine

Definition

The large intestine is the final section of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily responsible for water absorption and feces formation. It hosts a diverse microbiota crucial for various bodily functions including immunity and metabolism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The large intestine includes the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.
2. It houses a complex and dense microbial ecosystem known as the gut microbiota.
3. Beneficial bacteria in the large intestine aid in digestion of certain carbohydrates through fermentation.
4. Disruptions to the normal microbiota can lead to conditions like Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
5. The large intestine plays a role in synthesizing certain vitamins such as vitamin K and biotin.

Review Questions

• What are the main sections of the large intestine?
• How does the large intestine contribute to digestion through its microbiota?
• What are potential consequences of disrupted normal microbiota in the large intestine?

Related terms

Cecum:

A pouch connected to the junction of the small and large intestines.

Gut Microbiota:

The community of microorganisms living in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals.

Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI): A bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea, often associated with antibiotic use that disrupts normal gut flora.