The Colon measures approximately 5 ft and varies in length to a person’s size. It begins at the ileocecal valve and ends at the anus. The widest portion of the colon is the begining portion or cecum. The diameter narrows ever so slightly as we move towards the anus. The sigmoid is considerably narrower than the cecum. The rectum widens a little bit before it tapers into the anus.

The wall of the colon has two sets of muscle-the outer longitudinal, arranged in three bands or taenia coli run from appendix to rectum. These muscle bundles are shorter than the colon hence throwing the colon into sacculations(the segmented appearance of the colon. The inner circular muscle runs from the appendix to the anus where it forms the internal anal sphincter.

The colon function is enhanced by a rich supply of blood vessels and nerves called the autonomic nerves and ganglia. The absorptive cells line the colon including mucus cells called goblet cells. Endocrine cells are also present. The lining cells of the colon have rapid turnover and have a turnover rate of 3-4 days. The organization of the structure of the colon is as follows from inside outwards-lumen, lining epithelium, lamina propria, muscularis mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis propria. This vital organ of the body plays a very crucial role in maintaining our good health and must be kept clean and healthy.

Ike Uzoaru, M.D. http://www.colonflush.bestwebdoc.com