Large Intestine

• Completes absorption of nutrients and water, forms fecal material, and helps synthesize some vitamins


  large Intestine
• Large Intestine contains


  bacteria that aid in function
• Regions of the large intestine:


  cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus
• Appendix is attached to


  cecum
• Flexures are bends in the large intestine


  right hepatic and left splenic flexures
• Rectum holds fecal material until eliminated


  Internal and external anal sphincters regulate release of feces
• Smooth muscle


  internal anal sphincter
• Skeletal muscle


  external anal sphincter
• Teniae coli extend the length of


  large intestine - contractions form haustra
• Motility in large intestine


  haustral contractions, mass movement, and valsalva maneuver
• Aid in water absorption 

  haustral contractions
• Forces contents toward rectum

  mass movement - gastrocolic reflex — gastric activity increases colon activity
• Increased abdominal pressure aids in fecal elimination

  valsalva maneuver