DESCENDING COLON Meaning and
Definition
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The descending colon is a major part of the large intestine that forms the final section of the digestive tract in humans. It is a tubular-shaped structure that starts from the sigmoid colon and extends downward on the left side of the abdomen towards the rectum. The descending colon is responsible for the absorption of water, electrolytes, and nutrients from digested food, as well as the elimination of waste products through feces.
Anatomically, the descending colon is positioned on the left side of the body, running vertically along the left flank and pelvic region. It is suspended by a sheet of fatty tissue known as the mesentery. The colon gradually narrows as it descends, with the diameter decreasing as it approaches the rectum.
Functionally, the primary role of the descending colon is to store and remove waste material from the body. Stool that enters the descending colon is largely liquid, but as it moves through this segment, water and electrolytes are absorbed, resulting in the formation of semi-solid stool. This process allows for the reabsorption of necessary substances and the consolidation of waste material, ultimately forming feces.
Pathologies and disorders related to the descending colon may include diverticulitis, colitis, constipation, and colorectal cancer. Proper functioning of the descending colon is essential for maintaining overall digestive health and regular bowel movements.
Common Misspellings for DESCENDING COLON
- sescending colon
- xescending colon
- cescending colon
- fescending colon
- rescending colon
- eescending colon
- dwscending colon
- dsscending colon
- ddscending colon
- drscending colon
- d4scending colon
- d3scending colon
- deacending colon
- dezcending colon
- dexcending colon
- dedcending colon
- deecending colon
- dewcending colon
- desxending colon
Etymology of DESCENDING COLON
The word "descending" in "descending colon" comes from the Latin word "descendere", which means "to go down" or "to descend". This term refers to the position of the descending colon in the anatomy, as it goes downwards from the splenic flexure of the colon to the level of the iliac crest. The word "colon" itself originates from the Greek word "kolon", meaning "large intestine", and was later adopted into Latin.
Similar spelling words for DESCENDING COLON
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