Chapter 23 Digestive System: Function of the Large Intestine

What is another name for the large intestine?

colon

What types of cells are found in the walls of the large intestines?

enterocytes and goblet cells

A blockage in the colon where the ascending colon turns to become the transverse colon would occur at the

hepatic flexure

What do peristalsis and segmental contractions do?

move the intestinal contents slowly, water and minerals are absorbed from the contents, leaving a residue of fecal material.

Peristalsis propels fecal material into the?

rectum

What do goblet cells do in the large intestines?

secrete mucus that eases the movement of feces and protects the intestine from the effects of the acids and gases produced by enteric bacteria.

Which of the following is located closest to the rectum? ascending colon descending colon transverse colon sigmoid colon cecum

sigmoid colon

What do the walls of the large intestines contain?

simple columnar epithelium and intestinal glands

Feces consist of

water. undigestible food. bacteria. sloughed-off epithelial cells.

What causes evacuation of rectal contents?

Voluntary relaxation of the external anal sphincter combined with bearing-down efforts

What is the main function of the large intestine?

absorb water and eliminate digestive waste products

What do enterocytes do in the large intestines?

absorb water and salts as well as vitamins produced by your intestinal bacteria.

Arrange the following structures in order from the small intestine to the rectum. ascending colon descending colon sigmoid colon transverse colon

ascending colon transverse colon descending colon sigmoid colon

What do intestinal bacteria do?

Act on the residue, releasing decomposition products and intestinal gases. They also synthesize vitamin K and some B vitamins, which are absorbed in the colon.

What is the defecation reflex?

Initiated by distension of the rectum. Causes contraction of smooth muscle of rectum and relaxation of the internal anal sphincter