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The large intestine

Diagram of the large intestine.

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.

Glossary

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
Published: 1 July 2011Updated: 5 September 2025Size: 1.31 MB
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