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    How the Colon Works

    The colon (large intestine) is a muscular tube that forms the last part of the digestive tract. It absorbs water and stores food waste. The colon is about 5 feet long. The last part of the colon is the rectum. It's about 5 inches long.

    Male body showing digestive system without liver.Outline of adult abdomen showing colon.

    How food moves through the colon

    Semiliquid food waste from the small intestine enters the colon at the beginning of the colon (cecum). As this waste, called stool, travels through the colon, it loses water and solidifies. Strong muscles keep the stool moving through the colon. The stool is moved toward the last section of the colon (sigmoid colon). From there, it passes into the rectum, where it's stored until it leaves the body through the anus during a bowel movement.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
    Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2023
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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