Anatomy and Function of the Colon

The colon is a tubular organ approximately five feet long and 2-1/2 inches in diameter. It adjoins the small intestine at the cecum, extends up and across the abdominal cavity, and down the left ventral side, where it meets the sigmoid and rectum. Its four main functions are the final digestion of food, the absorption of water and nutrients, the discharge of toxins and cellular waste, and the elimination of digestive residue.  More...