The Colon & Rectal Clinic of Ft. Lauderdale
CRC Ft. Lauderdale believes in the power of knowledge. We offer the most current information on colon disease and minimally invasive procedures.
The colon is a part of the digestive tract where food is processed to rid the body of waste. Food travels down the esophagus to the stomach, and from there to the small intestine, and then on to the large intestine. The first part of the large intestine, called the colon, absorbs water and nutrients from food and stores waste matter. The colon consists of five sections: the cecum, the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, and the sigmoid colon.
The colon (also known as the large intestine or bowel) is situated in the abdomen and forms the last part of the digestive tract.
It is an important organ, carrying out a number of vital functions, including the completion of the digestive process, involving absorption of water-soluble nutrients as well as the synthesis of certain vitamins.
The colon is a major part of the excretory system, responsible for eliminating food and other body wastes, as well as protecting us from infection and disease.2
It is structured as one long, continuous hollow tube surrounded by muscles. The colon begins where the small intestine ends and extends down to the anus. The colon measures about 5 feet long and 2.5 inches in diameter.
The lumen (interior) of the colon has a delicate lining. In addition to lubricating the passage of waste through the colon, this moist lining protects underlying tissues and the nerve endings that extend down into the colon wall.