Home About Shands For Healthcare Professionals Newsroom ShandsConnect Index
Search:
< back

Normal anatomy

Normal anatomyIndicationsIncisionProcedure, part 1Procedure, part 2Aftercare
Normal anatomy

The large bowel [large intestine or the colon] is part of the digestive system. It runs from the small intestine to the rectum. It is made up of three portions; the ascending, transverse and descending colon. The ascending colon is sometimes referred to as the right colon; the descending colon is sometimes referred to as the left, or sigmoid colon.


Review Date: 11/9/2004 12:00:00 AM
Reviewed By: Marcia S. Brose, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Hematology/Oncology, The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia

En Español

Pregnancy Health Center

Shands Careguides

Surgeries and Procedures

Shands HealthCast