Anatomic Problems of the Colon

The colon, or large intestine, is part of the digestive system, which is a series of organs from the mouth to the anus. When the shape of the colon or the way it connects to other organs is abnormal, digestive problems result. Some of these anatomic problems can occur during embryonic development of the foetus in the womb and are known as congenital abnormalities. Other problems develop with age.

Colon Anatomy and Development

The adult colon is about 5 feet long. It connects to the small bowel, which is also known as the small intestine. The major functions of the colon are to absorb water and salts from partially digested food that enters from the small bowel and then send waste out of the body through the anus. What remains after absorption is stool, which passes from the colon into the rectum and out through the anus when a person has a bowel movement.

The colon comprises several segments:

  • the caecum, the portion just after the small bowel
  • the ascending colon
  • the transverse colon
  • the descending colon
  • the sigmoid colon, an S-shaped portion near the end of the colon
  • the rectum, where stool is stored until evacuation
The colon is formed during the first 3 months of embryonic development. As the bowel lengthens, part of it passes into the umbilical cord, which connects the foetus to the mother. As the foetus grows and the abdominal cavity enlarges, the bowel returns to the abdomen and turns, or rotates, counterclockwise to its final position. The small bowel and colon are held in position by tissue known as the mesentery. The ascending colon and descending colon are fixed in place in the abdominal cavity. The caecum, transverse colon, and sigmoid colon are suspended from the back of the abdominal wall by the mesentery.

Anatomic Problems of the Colon
Anatomic Problems of the Colon

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