Cancer Articles (Dr. S.N White)

What is the colon? The colon, also called the large intestine or bowel , is the final 5 to 7 feet of the intestinal tract. It starts at the right lower part of the abdomen and, defying the laws of gravity, continues upward on the right side of the abdomen, close to the liver under the ribs (this section is known as the ascending colon). It makes a left turn and crosses to the left portion of the abdomen (this 2-to-1/2-foot portion is known as the transverse colon). The next portion heads down the left side of the abdomen to the pelvis (called the descending colon). The final section, which is S-shaped (the sigmoid colon), and the final 8 or 10 inches located in the pelvis behind the urinary bladder, are known as the rectum, with the final 2 inches being referred to as the anal region. The colon joins the small intestines to the rectum. The colon and rectum form the lower end of the digestive tract. What is the small intestine?  The small intestine, or bowel, is part of the ...