Reabsorption of water by the large intestineThe large intestine in man consists of the colon and rectumDiameter about 6 - 7 cmLength about 2 meter

Rectum Anus

Large intestineRectum: undigested food formed into faeces and stores the faeces temporarily

Anus: a small opening through which faeces pass out of the bodyColon:Formation of faeces

The large intestine reabsorbs large amounts of watery mixture through its walls.As water is reabsorbed, the watery mixture changes into solid waste that contain undigested food such as fibre, bacteria, dead cells and others.

Wiping cloth

DefecationThe solid waste are compressed in rectum and leave the body through the anus as faeces.Anus, a muscular opening at the end of rectumDefecation is the process in which faeces is expelled from the body through the rectum due to contractions of muscles in rectal wall.

Defecation

What is constipation and diarrhoea

Constipation ( sembelit ) The absorption of water increases when the bodys need for water increase.The person suffers from constipation can only defecate at long intervals, and the faeces are dry and hard. Fibre helps the intestinal functions by keeping the faeces relatively moist due to its water holding capacity.Wiping cloth

Diarrhoea ( cirit-birit )Diarrhoea occurs when faeces pass through the large intestine quickly. As a result the large intestine is unable to absorb any waterDiarrhoea may happen if the intestine is irritated by bacterial or viral infections (food poisoning). It results in loss of water and minerals from the body.

How to prevent constipation and diarrhoea?

constipation can be avoided by eating food rich in fibre, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly.we should eat clean health food. Food contaminated with bacteria can cause diarrhoea and food poising.

Why we should also chew the food well before swallowing it