What is the Large Intestine or Colon?
The colon is like a waste treatment works. It contains numerous bacteria which help in this process. It receives liquid waste from the small intestine and processes it into formed bowel motions. Fluid is absorbed through the bowel surface into the blood stream. Peristalsis pushes the motion down into the rectum. When it is time for a person to empty their bowels, the anal sphincter at the very end of the gut relaxes and allows the motion to pass through. • The rectum is the last 12 to 15cm of the large bowel which opens to the exterior of the body at the anus. • The anus is the opening of the bowel to the outside of the body, through which faeces pass.
