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Questions and Answers
What is the final part of the gastrointestinal tract?
What is the final part of the gastrointestinal tract?
What is the function of the ileocecal valve?
What is the function of the ileocecal valve?
What is the first part of the large intestine called?
What is the first part of the large intestine called?
What is the name of the part of the large intestine that ascends upwards?
What is the name of the part of the large intestine that ascends upwards?
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What is the name of the structure that is a common cause of surgery in the GI tract?
What is the name of the structure that is a common cause of surgery in the GI tract?
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In which part of the abdomen is the ascending colon located?
In which part of the abdomen is the ascending colon located?
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What is the direction of movement of the ascending colon?
What is the direction of movement of the ascending colon?
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What is true about the length of the large intestine compared to the small intestine?
What is true about the length of the large intestine compared to the small intestine?
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What is the name of the part of the large intestine that runs transversely?
What is the name of the part of the large intestine that runs transversely?
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What is the main function of the large intestine in terms of water absorption?
What is the main function of the large intestine in terms of water absorption?
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What would happen if the large intestine absorbed too little water?
What would happen if the large intestine absorbed too little water?
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What is the name of the disease caused by a bacterial infection that affects the large intestine and leads to dehydration?
What is the name of the disease caused by a bacterial infection that affects the large intestine and leads to dehydration?
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What is the importance of keeping a person hydrated when they have cholera?
What is the importance of keeping a person hydrated when they have cholera?
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What is the name of the part of the large intestine that has an S-shaped curve?
What is the name of the part of the large intestine that has an S-shaped curve?
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What is absorbed in the large intestine, besides water?
What is absorbed in the large intestine, besides water?
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What would happen if the large intestine absorbed too much water?
What would happen if the large intestine absorbed too much water?
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What is the name of the condition caused by the large intestine absorbing too little water?
What is the name of the condition caused by the large intestine absorbing too little water?
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What is the role of the large intestine in regulating the consistency of the stool?
What is the role of the large intestine in regulating the consistency of the stool?
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Which organ is most responsible for the absorption of water and inorganic ions?
Which organ is most responsible for the absorption of water and inorganic ions?
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What is the main function of the rectum?
What is the main function of the rectum?
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What is the purpose of microorganisms in the large intestine?
What is the purpose of microorganisms in the large intestine?
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What is the by-product of microorganisms digesting carbohydrates?
What is the by-product of microorganisms digesting carbohydrates?
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Why do we have bacteria in our colon?
Why do we have bacteria in our colon?
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What is the treatment for ulcerative colitis?
What is the treatment for ulcerative colitis?
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What percentage of stool is composed of microorganisms?
What percentage of stool is composed of microorganisms?
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What is the function of the anus?
What is the function of the anus?
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What are the components of the anus?
What are the components of the anus?
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What is the significance of the kidney in the context of water and inorganic ion absorption?
What is the significance of the kidney in the context of water and inorganic ion absorption?
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What type of muscle comprises the internal anal sphincter?
What type of muscle comprises the internal anal sphincter?
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Which sphincter is under voluntary control?
Which sphincter is under voluntary control?
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What triggers the internal anal sphincter to relax?
What triggers the internal anal sphincter to relax?
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What happens when the external anal sphincter is relaxed?
What happens when the external anal sphincter is relaxed?
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What is the main function of the internal anal sphincter?
What is the main function of the internal anal sphincter?
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Which statement about the external anal sphincter is true?
Which statement about the external anal sphincter is true?
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Study Notes
The Large Intestine
- The large intestine, also known as the colon, is the final part of the GI tract.
- It begins at the ileocecal valve, where the small intestine ends, and continues until the anus.
- The large intestine is shorter than the small intestine, but plays a crucial role in absorbing water and electrolytes.
Structure of the Large Intestine
- The large intestine consists of:
- Cecum: the first part of the large intestine, which has an appendix attached to it.
- Ascending colon: the part of the large intestine that ascends upwards from the cecum.
- Transverse colon: the part of the large intestine that runs transversely across the abdomen.
- Descending colon: the part of the large intestine that descends downwards from the transverse colon.
- Sigmoid colon: the final part of the large intestine, which forms an S-shape and connects to the rectum.
Functions of the Large Intestine
- The large intestine is responsible for:
- Absorbing water: the main function of the large intestine, which helps regulate stool consistency.
- Absorbing inorganic ions: such as sodium, potassium, and chloride.
- Regulating electrolyte balance: the large intestine helps maintain electrolyte balance by absorbing or secreting electrolytes as needed.
- Storing and eliminating waste: the large intestine stores waste until it is eliminated from the body.
Importance of Water Absorption
- Water absorption in the large intestine is crucial for:
- Preventing diarrhea: if too little water is absorbed, stool becomes watery and diarrhea occurs.
- Preventing constipation: if too much water is absorbed, stool becomes hard and constipation occurs.
- Regulating stool consistency: the large intestine helps maintain a healthy balance of water in stool to prevent diarrhea or constipation.
Cholera and the Large Intestine
- Cholera is a bacterial infection that affects the large intestine, causing a loss of fluids and electrolytes.
- The large intestine plays a crucial role in regulating fluid balance, and cholera disrupts this balance.
Inorganic Ions and the Large Intestine
- The large intestine absorbs inorganic ions, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are important for maintaining electrolyte balance.
Microorganisms in the Large Intestine
- The large intestine is home to a rich community of microorganisms, including bacteria.
- These microorganisms assist in the digestion of nutrients, particularly carbohydrates.
- The by-products of this digestion can include methane and hydrogen sulfide, which can contribute to flatulence and unpleasant odors.
The Rectum and Anus
- The rectum is responsible for storing stool until it is eliminated from the body.
- The anus is the final part of the GI tract, consisting of two sphincters: the internal anal sphincter (smooth muscle) and the external anal sphincter (skeletal muscle).
- The internal anal sphincter relaxes to allow stool to move forward, while the external anal sphincter is under voluntary control and can be relaxed to release stool.
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Description
Learn about the internal and external anal sphincters, their composition, and control. Understand the difference between smooth and skeletal muscles.