The large intestine is about 4.5 feet long (1.5m) and wider than the small intestine. It is made up of the cecum, appendix, colon, rectum and anal canal. Food waste passes from the small intestine (ileum) into the cecum, then up the ascending colon, across the transverse colon, down the descending colon, through the sigmoid colon and into the rectum, where it is passed from the body through the anal canal.
The large intestine absorbs any left over water, vitamins and electrolytes (like sodium and chloride) in the food waste passing through it. The appendix does have some tissue that might help the immune system (lymphoid), but its tiny, twisted shape also traps bacteria, so often leads to serious inflammation, that can lead to death if not removed (appendicitis).
Everything Kids HUMAN BODY BOOK
Learn about the body's systems: digestive, circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, reproductive and your protective integument (your skin!) This book breaks down the human body and explains its parts and how it works in language a middle school student can understand -- or anyone who is interested in how our amazing bodies work. Also learn fun facts about the body, important vocabulary, interesting exercises and health tips and even do more than 30 body puzzles. Have fun on this 160-page anatomy adventure!
