What is the Difference Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The small intestine and large intestine are both part of the digestive system, but they have distinct functions and structures. Here are the main differences between them:
- Function: The small intestine is involved in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, while the large intestine is involved in the absorption of water and the production of vitamins.
- Length: The small intestine is longer than the large intestine, with the small intestine being about 20 feet long.
- Width: The small intestine is narrower than the large intestine.
- Structure: The small intestine is divided into three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The large intestine, on the other hand, has four parts: the cecum, colon, rectum, and anus.
- Mucosal Surface: The inner walls of the small intestine have finger-like projections called villi that help increase the absorptive surface area. The large intestine does not have villi.
- Digestive Enzymes: The large intestine produces no digestive enzymes, as chemical digestion is completed in the small intestine before the chyme (semi-digested food) reaches the large intestine.
- Special Features: The large intestine has unique features such as teniae coli, haustra, and epiploic appendages.
In summary, the small intestine plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, while the large intestine is responsible for the absorption of water and electrolytes, as well as the production of vitamins.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine? Comparative Table: Small Intestine vs Large Intestine
Comparative Table: Small Intestine vs Large Intestine
Here is a table comparing the differences between the small intestine and the large intestine:
Feature | Small Intestine | Large Intestine |
---|---|---|
Length | Longer (about 6 meters) | Shorter (about 1.5 meters) |
Diameter | Narrower (about 2.5-3 inches) | Wider (more than twice the diameter of the small intestine) |
Components | Three components: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum | Four components: cecum, colon, rectum, and anus |
Lining Surface | Large surface area (approximately 200 m^2) due to folds and projections | Smaller surface area compared to the small intestine |
Absorption | Responsible for the absorption of nutrients from digested food | Responsible for the absorption of electrolytes and water, production of vitamins (especially vitamin K and biotin) |
Mobility | Exhibits small movements in the abdominal cavity | Exhibits comparatively less mobility |
Accessory Organs | Liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are closely associated with the small intestine | No accessory organs directly associated with the large intestine |
The small intestine is responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, while the large intestine mainly absorbs electrolytes, water, and produces some vitamins.
Read more:
- Colon vs Large Intestine
- Colon vs Intestines
- Protein Digestion in Stomach vs Small Intestine
- Digestion in Stomach vs Digestion in Intestine
- Jejunum vs Ileum
- Small vs Large Bowel Obstruction
- Duodenum vs Jejunum
- Gut vs Stomach
- Alimentary Canal vs Digestive System
- Ileostomy and Colostomy
- Ilium vs Ileum
- Digestion vs Absorption
- Constipation vs Diarrhea
- Colonoscopy vs Sigmoidoscopy
- Abdomen vs Stomach
- Colitis vs Diverticulitis
- Diarrhea vs Dysentery
- Colonoscopy vs Endoscopy
- Liver vs Pancreas