Notes: Large Intestine

Thursday 1-7-10

(1) Overall Function

Reabsorb waterPass out remaining waste to

rectum + anus

(2) Regions

Cecum = 1st ChamberAscending Colon = UpwardsTransverse Colon = AcrossDescending Colon = DownwardsRectum & Anus

(3) Appendix

Sits beneath cecum Often collects waste and bacteria Appendicitis Functions:

– Produces white blood cells and antibodies for immunity.

– Used to serve a role in cellulose digestion.– Not needed Weeded out through

Evolution?!?

(4) Passing Through

Waste slowly moves through Large Intestine.– Total Length = 1.5-2m long

Water reabsorbed through microvilli.– Result = Solidified waste mass

(Feces)

(5) Colon Bacteria

Over 700 species of bacteriaOrigins:

– Food Eaten– Anus

Helpful:– Metabolize left over proteins– Metabolize indigestible carbohydrates– Produce vitamins from inorganics

(6) Rectum & Anus

Rectum = Inside part Anus = Outside part = Butthole Mechanism:

– Remaining waste drops first into rectum– Lands on top of Involuntary Sphincter– Opens w/pressure– Lands on top of Voluntary Sphincter– Made of Skeletal Muscle that you control