The large intestine

Abstract

The large intestine can be divided on the basis of its motor function into two separate regions. The proximal region consisting of caecum and ascending colon serves a reservoir function while more distal regions are important for the periodic elimination of faecal waste. Herbivores, especially those of the horse and rabbit family, derive considerable nutrient from the bacterial breakdown of plant fibre within the caecum. In these species, therefore, the caecum is enlarged and more complex than in the carnivore, whose digestive processes are more or less complete before the digesta leaves the ileum, so consequently the carnivore colon is short and simple.