Intestine, large

The tubelike organ that completes the process of digestion, receiving material from the small intestine.

It has four parts: the cecum (caecum), the appendix (vermiform appendix), the colon, and the rectum.

Once the products of digestion enter the cecum through the ileocecal valve, they move rapidly past the appendix, which juts out from the intestine near the cecum.

The colon absorbs any remaining water and forms the stool, which is send to the rectum for elimination.

The walls of the large intestine are muscular, and contract to move material along its length.

See also intestine, small.