Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Colon and Intestines?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Colon and Intestines?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The colon and intestines are parts of the digestive system, but they have distinct functions and structures. The main differences between the colon and intestines are:

  1. Location and structure: The colon, also known as the large intestine, is a U-shaped tube made of muscle, found below the stomach. It includes the cecum, colon, rectum, and anus. The small intestine, on the other hand, is a longer and more narrow tube that connects to the stomach and is responsible for further breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
  2. Function: The colon's primary function is to dehydrate food waste and form it into stool. It absorbs water and electrolytes as its muscle system moves the waste along, and bacteria living in the colon break down the waste further. The small intestine's main role is to continue the digestion process after food leaves the stomach, absorbing the majority of nutrients from the food we eat.
  3. Segments: The colon can be divided into four parts: the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. The small intestine is not typically divided into segments but is instead a continuous tube that connects to the stomach and colon.

In summary, the colon is a part of the large intestine that is responsible for dehydrating food waste and forming stool, while the small intestine is responsible for continuing the digestion process and absorbing nutrients from the food we eat.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Colon and Intestines?
  • Comparative Table: Colon vs Intestines

    • Comparative Table: Colon vs Intestines

    The colon and the intestines are part of the digestive system, but they have distinct functions and structures. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the colon and the intestines:

    Feature Colon Intestines
    Function The colon's primary function is to dehydrate and form stool from the waste products received from the small intestine. The intestines, which include the small intestine and the large intestine (colon, rectum, and anus), are responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. The intestines are responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.
    Segments The colon can be divided into the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. The intestines are divided into the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and the large intestine (colon, rectum, and anus). The intestines are divided into the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and the large intestine (colon, rectum, and anus).
    Anatomy The colon is a tubular organ that is part of the digestive system. The colon has a mucous membrane that absorbs fluids and secretes mucus, and its deeper muscle layer is composed of circular and longitudinal muscles. The intestines are a long, continuous tube that includes the small intestine and the large intestine. The small intestine has villi, which are projections of the mucosa that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.
    Absorption Most absorption occurs in the ascending and transverse regions of the colon, where liquid material received from the small intestine is dehydrated to form a fecal mass. The intestines are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food, with most nutrient absorption occurring in the small intestine.

    In summary, the colon is a part of the large intestine that is responsible for dehydrating and forming stool, while the intestines, which include the small intestine and the large intestine, are responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.