Definition:
The main function of the large bowel (also known as the large intestine) is to transport waste out of the body and to absorb water from the waste before it leaves. The large bowel connects with the small bowel to the north and freedom (open air) to the south.
When waste first reaches the large bowel, it dumps into it like sludge from a chute. The sludge solidifies as it travels through the large bowel. If all is well, the waste is in solid form (but not too solid) when it reaches the rectum.
Anatomy of the Large Bowel
The large bowel is the same thing as the large intestine. The main components of the large bowel include the following:
Colorectal cancer is also referred to as cancer of the large intestine or bowel cancer.
Related Articles: Sources:- Bowel. Biology Online. 5 Sep. 2006 [http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Bowel].
- Bowel. Merriam-Webster Online. 5 Sep. 2006 [http://m-w.com/dictionary/bowel].
- Definition of Large Bowel. Medicine Net. 5 Sep. 2006 [http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=19647].
Also Known As: large intestine
