Large intestine anatomy in 3D
The large intestine starts where the small intestine ends, wraps around the abdomen and leads to the rectum. Through the ascending, transverse and descending colon it absorbs water and forms stool. It begins at the caecum and runs through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colon to the rectum and anal canal. The appendix hangs from the caecum, the colon turns at the right colic flexure under the liver and at the left colic flexure near the spleen, and three longitudinal bands of muscle, the taeniae coli, run along its outside.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the large intestine?
The large intestine starts where the small intestine ends, wraps around the abdomen and leads to the rectum.
What does the large intestine do?
Through the ascending, transverse and descending colon it absorbs water and forms stool.
Which body system does the large intestine belong to?
The large intestine belongs to the digestive system. The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract running from mouth to anus (oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine) and the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, which make digestive juices and send them into the tract.
What are the parts of the large intestine, in order?
The caecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum and anal canal. The appendix hangs from the caecum.
Parts of the large intestine
- Ascending colon: The large intestine rising up the right side of the abdomen.
- Transverse colon: The large intestine crossing the abdomen.
- Descending colon: The large intestine running down the left side.
- Rectum: The final part of the large intestine, leading to the anus.
Other organs
Compare with neighbouring organs
By body system
By region
Read more
Related reading
- Ultra-processed food and the gut microbiome: what the research shows, and what it doesn’t
- Coffee on an empty stomach after a broken night: what a study found about blood sugar
Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.