Large Intestine

The large intestine, also called the large bowel or colon, is part of your digestive tract. It connects your small intestine Small Intestine Your digestive system breaks food down into separate nutrients that fuel your body. Your digestive tract (also called the gastrointestinal or GI tract) is the hollow tube that food goes through... read more to your rectum Rectum and Anus Your digestive system breaks food down into separate nutrients that fuel your body. Your digestive tract (also called the gastrointestinal or GI tract) is the hollow tube that food goes through... read more . Your appendix is a small fingerlike tube attached to the first part of the large intestine. Your appendix can get infected and cause appendicitis Appendicitis Your appendix is a small finger-shaped hollow tube on the end of your large intestine. Appendicitis is an inflammation that causes your appendix to swell and become infected. Appendicitis is... read more .

Digested food is a liquid when it reaches your large intestine. The main job of your large intestine is to absorb most of the water and make solid stool.

Lots of bacteria live in the large intestine. These bacteria are necessary and helpful. They make some important substances, such as vitamin K Vitamin K Deficiency Vitamin K deficiency is most common in infants, especially those who are breastfed. The deficiency can cause bleeding; therefore, all newborns should be given a vitamin K injection. Bleeding... read more . The bacteria in your large intestine can also make gas. However, other bacteria that can get into your large intestine can make you sick with gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis is inflammation of your stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis is usually caused by an infection with a virus or bacteria You feel very sick to your stomach, throw up, and have... read more .