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.

• Malrotation
• Small bowel and colonic intussusception
• Fistulas
• Colonic atresia
• Volvulus
• Imperforate anus

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

Anatomic Problems of the Colon