6. LARGE INTESTINE, COLON
Food transit time in the large intestine 30–40 hrs.
The colon absorbs water and minerals. The colon´s microflora/bacteria helps
digestion, promotes vital nutrient production, maintains pH (acid-base) balance
and prevents the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Gut microbiota is the absolute
cornerstone of our health. These healthy organisms can weigh up to 2 kg and
include tens of trillions of micro-organisms, which are more than 1000 different
species of bacteria with more than 3 million genes (150 times more than human
genes). One third of our gut microbiota is common to most people, while two
thirds are specific to each one of us, just like our fingerprints are unique. The
colon is approximately a 5-feet / 1,55 cm long muscular tube.
WOMEN HAVE LONGER COLON
The colon connects the cecum (the first part of the large intestine) to the rectum
(the last part of the large intestine). It is made up of the cecum, the ascending
(right) colon, the transverse (across) colon, the descending (left) colon, and the
sigmoid colon (for its “S” shape), which connects to the rectum.
Women usually have a longer colon. A study done by The Department of
Endoscopy, St. Mark’s Hospital, London, England found out that total colonic
length was greater in women (median 5 feet/155 cm) compared to men (median,
4,75 feet/ 145 cm). That may explain why colonoscopy is a more difficult for
women than for men.
Stool, or fecal waste left over from the digestive process, is passed through the
colon by means of peristalsis (contractions), first in a liquid state and ultimately
in solid form as the water is removed from the stool. A stool is stored in the
sigmoid colon until a ´mass movement` empties it into the rectum once or
twice a day. It normally takes about 36 hours for stool to get through the colon.
The stool itself is mostly food debris and bacteria. These bacterias perform
several useful functions, such as synthesizing various vitamins, processing waste
products and food particles, and protecting against harmful microorganisms.
BACTERIA IN COLON IS PROTECTING US
Stool, or fecal waste left over from the digestive process, is passed through the
colon by means of peristalsis (contractions), first in a liquid state and ultimately
in solid form as the water is removed from the stool. A stool is stored in the
sigmoid colon until a ´mass movement` empties it into the rectum once or
twice a day. It normally takes about 36 hours for stool to get through the colon.
The stool itself is mostly food debris and bacteria. These bacterias perform
several useful functions, such as synthesizing various vitamins, processing waste
products and food particles, and protecting against harmful microorganisms.
