Merck Manual

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Large Intestine

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Mar 2023
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Your digestive tract (also called the gastrointestinal or GI tract) is the hollow tube that food goes through when you swallow it, digest it, and then pass the waste products as stool.

What is the large intestine?

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.

Locating the Large Intestine

Locating the Rectum and Anus
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