The Difference Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine

Introduction

The digestive system is a complex network of organs that work together to break down food and absorb nutrients. Two key players in this process are the small intestine and large intestine. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, functions, and differences between these two vital components of the digestive system.

What is the Small Intestine?

The small intestine is a long, narrow tube that connects the stomach to the large intestine. It is approximately 20 feet in length and consists of three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Examples of Small Intestine

– Duodenum: The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and receives partially digested food from the stomach.
– Jejunum: The jejunum is the middle section of the small intestine and is responsible for the absorption of nutrients.
– Ileum: The ileum is the final section of the small intestine and connects to the large intestine.

Uses of Small Intestine

– Absorption of Nutrients: The small intestine plays a crucial role in the absorption of nutrients from digested food.
– Secretion of Enzymes: It secretes digestive enzymes that further break down food particles.
– Transportation: The small intestine transports digested food to the large intestine for further processing.

What is the Large Intestine?

The large intestine, also known as the colon, is a wider and shorter tube compared to the small intestine. It is approximately 5 feet long and consists of four sections: the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon.

Examples of Large Intestine

– Cecum: The cecum is a pouch-like structure at the beginning of the large intestine.
– Ascending Colon: The ascending colon moves upward from the cecum on the right side of the abdomen.
– Transverse Colon: The transverse colon extends horizontally across the abdomen.
– Descending Colon: The descending colon moves downward on the left side of the abdomen.
– Sigmoid Colon: The sigmoid colon is an S-shaped section that connects to the rectum.

Uses of Large Intestine

– Water Absorption: The large intestine absorbs water from the undigested food, helping to maintain fluid balance in the body.
– Formation of Feces: It aids in the formation of feces by absorbing electrolytes and compacting waste.
– Gut Microbiota: The large intestine houses a diverse population of bacteria that assist in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates.

Differences Table

Difference Area	Small Intestine	Large Intestine
Length	Approximately 20 feet	Approximately 5 feet
Sections	Duodenum, jejunum, ileum	Cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon
Digestive Function	Primary site of nutrient absorption	Water absorption and formation of feces
Shape	Narrow and long	Wider and shorter
Muscle Features	Has circular and longitudinal muscles	Contains bands of muscle fibers called taeniae coli
Blood Supply	Supplied by the superior mesenteric artery	Supplied by the inferior mesenteric artery
Involvement in Digestion	Secretes digestive enzymes	Home to gut microbiota that aid in digestion
Peristalsis	Performs intense peristalsis for efficient absorption	Performs slower peristalsis for water absorption
Location	Connected to the stomach	Connected to the small intestine
Contents	Partially digested food and digestive juices	Undigested food, water, electrolytes, and gut microbiota

Conclusion

In summary, the small intestine and large intestine are both essential components of the digestive system. While the small intestine is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption, the large intestine focuses on water absorption and the formation of feces. They differ in terms of length, sections, shape, muscle features, blood supply, involvement in digestion, peristalsis, location, and contents.

10 Differences Between small intestine and large intestine