What is the colon and what is its function?
The colon, or large intestine, is the end portion of the human digestive tract (food carrying passageway extending from the mouth to the anus). The colon is approximately 5 to 6 feet in length and approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Its major functions are to eliminate waste and to absorb water and nutrients, and the formation and elimination of waste. As well, there are bacteria living in the colon which synthesize valuable nutrients such as vitamins “K” and portions of the vitamin “B” complex.
