![Diagram of the large intestine.](http://static.sciencelearn.org.nz/images/images/000/002/257/full/The-large-intestine20161028-31233-ta0k1b.jpg?1674167899)
The large intestine consists of the caecum, colon, rectum and anal canal. It is about 1.5 metres long and has an average diameter of about 6 cm.
The 4 major functions of the large intestine are recovery of water and electrolytes, formation and storage of faeces and fermentation of some of the indigestible food matter by bacteria.