The colon is a long tube-like organ that makes up most of the large intestine within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

The colon is connected to the small intestine on one end and the rectum on the other, making it an important part of the digestive process. It is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from undigested food and forming it into solid stool (poo) before defecation.

Several conditions can affect colon health, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colon cancer. It’s important to get regularly tested for colon cancer and take steps to keep your colon healthy.

Illustrations for health by Dennis Madamba


The colon is part of the large intestine, which, along with the anal canal and rectum, is part of the digestive system. Here’s what you need to know about the anatomy of the colon.

  • structure: The colon is a muscular, tubular organ that is usually about 5 feet long. The colon, which is larger than the small intestine, is made up of four parts: the ascending colon (on the right side of the abdomen), the transverse colon (moving from the right side to the left), and the descending colon (which carries food and waste products downward). left side), sigmoid colon at the bottom.
  • position: The top of the colon is the cecum, a pouch just below the ileum (the last part of the small intestine). The cecum is located on the lower right side of the abdomen. The colon then curves to the left side of the abdomen before the sigmoid colon empties into the rectum and then into the anus.
  • Anatomical variations: The supernumerary colon, also called the tortuous colon, is abnormally long and distended so it has multiple loops, twists, or turns. It can cause abdominal pain, excess gas, constipation and possible intestinal blockage.

When you eat, food passes through the esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach) and enters your stomach, where it becomes a liquid. Undigested food is then broken down by digestive enzymes in the small intestine.

This is where the colon comes into play. Partially digested food is passed from the lowest part of the small intestine to the caecum at the top of the large intestine (colon). The colon absorbs water from food and forms stool. After the stool moves to the rectum and anus, it is passed out as feces.

The colon not only aids in the digestive process, but also helps maintain the body’s electrolyte balance. The colon absorbs fluids and electrolytes (charged minerals) from digested food and slowly releases them to the rest of the body.

There are various conditions that affect colon health and function, including:

  • Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis involves inflammation or infection of the diverticula, which are small bulging sacs in the lining of the colon. Symptoms include left-sided abdominal pain, fever, chills, vomiting, rectal bleeding, and severe constipation. It is usually treated with antibiotics.
  • Colon polyps: Polyps (small areas of abnormal tissue growth) may develop on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are benign, but some colon polyps can lead to colon cancer. Signs of colon polyps include blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and constipation.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and cramps. Anyone can develop IBS, but it is especially common in women under the age of 45.
  • Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causes ulcers to develop inside the colon and rectum. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood or pus in the stool, diarrhea, anemia, fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite usually appear before the age of 30.
  • Colon cancer: Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, causes symptoms such as changes in bowel movements, blood in the stool, bloating, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal cramps. Risk factors include a history of colon polyps, age over 50, smoking, obesity, and certain genetic mutations. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the malignant tissue.

The following steps allow your health care provider to assess the health and function of your colon.

  • Colonoscopy: During a colonoscopy, a health care professional inserts a long, thin tube attached to a small camera into the anal opening and guides it into the rectum and colon to check for polyps or other abnormalities. This procedure typically takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. It can be done under sedation or anesthesia.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Flexible sigmoidoscopy also involves using a long scope to examine the sigmoid colon (lower part of the colon) and rectum. However, the surgery usually takes about 20 minutes and does not require anesthesia.

For most people, it is recommended that you start having regular colonoscopies at age 45 to screen for colon cancer and polyps. If you are at high risk for colon cancer, your health care provider may recommend starting testing early.

There are several ways to lower your risk of colon cancer and other colon diseases. Some lifestyle and dietary changes that can help keep your colon healthy include:

  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps the digestive process and reduces the risk of chronic constipation. This allows the colon to eliminate toxins and function more efficiently.
  • Eat lots of fiber: Eating a high-fiber diet can help manage the symptoms of some colon diseases such as IBS and diverticulitis. Increase your fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
  • Reduce your red meat intake: Research shows that eating large amounts of red and processed meat can increase your risk of various cancers, including colon and rectal cancer. Switching to other meats or a plant-based diet may reduce your risk.
  • Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps regulate the digestive system, allowing food and waste to move more easily through the gastrointestinal tract. One study found that regular exercise can prevent 15% of colon cancers.
  • no smoking: Research shows that smoking is associated with a higher risk of both colon polyps and colorectal cancer. Quit smoking as soon as possible and contact your health care provider for support and resources if needed.

The colon is a long tube-like organ that occupies most of the large intestine. After food passes through the stomach and small intestine, the colon works to remove liquid from the partially digested food and turn it into solid feces. Keeping your colon healthy is key to maintaining the proper functioning of your digestive system.

Common colon diseases include colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, colon polyps, and ulcerative colitis. Staying hydrated, eating a diet high in fiber, and not smoking can help prevent and manage these symptoms.

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