The document describes the structure and function of the large intestine and its parts, including the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and rectum. It discusses the role of the appendix and explains how waste moves through the colon, being reabsorbed and solidified into feces. Common issues like diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, hernias, ulcers, and Crohn's disease are outlined along with their causes and symptoms. Vomiting and heartburn are also briefly explained.

1. Unit 3 Notes:
The Large Intestine

2. (1) Large Intestine Regions
• Cecum = 1st Chamber
• Ascending Colon = Upwards
• Transverse Colon = Across
• Descending Colon = Downwards
• Rectum & Anus

4. (2) That Appendix
• Sits beneath cecum
• Often collects waste and bacteria 
Appendicitis
• Functions:
–Produces white blood cells and
antibodies for immunity.
–Used to serve a role in cellulose
digestion.

6. (3) Passing Through the Colon…
• Waste slowly moves through
Large Intestine.
• Water reabsorbed through
microvilli.
–Result = Solidified waste mass
(Feces)

8. (4) The Rectum & Anus
• Rectum = Inside part
• Anus = Outside part = Butthole
• Mechanism:
– Remaining waste drops first into rectum
– Lands on top of Involuntary Sphincter
– Opens w/pressure
– Lands on top of Voluntary Sphincter
–Made of Skeletal Muscle that you control

10. (5) Diarrhea
• Watery fecal waste.
• Initiated when you eat something harmful or
irritating.
• Waste is forced through intestines too fast:
– Water cannot be absorbed from waste solution.
– Waste exits body extremely liquid-y.

13. (6) Constipation
• Backed up fecal waste in the large intestine.
• Typically the result of:
– Overly fatty and dense waste.
– Dehydration and extremely dry, brittle waste.
• Waste becomes unable to easily slide through
intestines.

16. (7) Hernia
• When a small portion of the intestine tears through the
abdominal muscle.
• The curl of the intestine shows directly under top layer
of skin.
• Usually the result of excessive abdominal contracting
and/or force.
• Chunk of intestine must be surgically placed back into
abdominal cavity, underneath muscle.

18. (8) Hemorrhoids
• Rupturing of anal cavity blood vessels:
– Typically balloon out of the anus.
– However sometimes can impact colon.
• Usually caused by excessive anal force or
exertion…
– Example: During times of crazy pooping (usually
after constipation…. Yeah… I said “crazy
pooping”).

22. (9) Canker Sore
• Open wound or ulcer inside the mouth.
• Result of excessive acid eating away at the oral
tissue.
• Can Be Caused By:
– Stress
– Excessive bacterial growth (producing more acid)
– Eating too much acidic food

24. (10) Ulcer
• Same as a canker sore, but in the stomach.
• Same causes as with canker sores.

25. (12) Crohn’s Disease
• Autoimmune disease.
• Causes white blood cells to attack intestinal
cells.
– This causes sensitivity and inflammation of the
intestines.
– Makes it difficult to properly metabolize food,
absorb nutrients, water, and excrete waste.

26. (13) Vomiting
• The opposite of diarrhea.
• Caused by eating something irritating or
harmful.
• Body prevents full digestion and absorption,
ejecting food out of the stomach and mouth.

28. (14) Heartburn
• The feeling of acid burning the esophageal
tissue, around the heart-chest-cavity.
• Due to a loose esophageal sphincter:
– Stomach acid is able to easily spit out and up into
the esophagus.
– Can be caused by a structural defect, or eating
certain preservatives/spices.