HEALTH INSIGHTS

How the Colon Works

September 17, 2019

How the Colon Works

The colon (large intestine) is a muscular tube that forms the last part of the digestive tract. It absorbs water and stores food waste. The colon is about 5 feet long. The rectum is the last nearly 5 inches of the colon.

Image of colon and small intestine

How food moves through the colon

Semiliquid food waste from the small intestine enters the colon at the beginning of the colon (cecum). As this waste, called stool, travels through the colon, it loses water and solidifies. Strong muscles keep the stool moving through the colon. The stool is moved toward the last section of the colon (sigmoid colon). From there, it passes into the rectum, where it is stored until it leaves the body through the anus during a bowel movement.

Illustration to show how food moves through the colon.

Updated:  

September 17, 2019

Reviewed By:  

Jen Lehrer MD,Ronald Karlin MD,L Renee Watson MSN RN