The small intestine is the longest part of the gastrointestinal tract that extends between the stomach and the large intestine (cecum).

It consists of three parts:

Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum

The small intestine provides complete digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.

Together all three parts of the small intestine can extend up to six meters in length.

The large intestine is the final part of the digestive tract. It lies within abdominal and pelvic cavities and extends about 1 to 1.5 meters in length between the ileocecal junction and the anus.

Functions of the large intestine include absorption of electrolytes and water, propulsion of intestinal contents, formation and temporary storage of feces, and defecation.

The large intestine can be divided into several segments:

Cecum and vermiform appendix
Ascending colon
Transverse colon
Descending colon
Sigmoid colon
Rectum and anal canal

Some of the parts of the large intestine are located retroperitoneally, and some - intraperitoneally.

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Intestines