Is the large intestine really large?

The large intestine, also called the colon, is part of the final stages of digestion. It is a large tube that escorts waste from the body. read more

The large intestine is approximately six feet in length, while the small intestine is much longer, at approximately 21 feet. The last six inches or so of the large intestine are called the rectum and the anal canal. read more

The large intestine is truly distinct only in tetrapods, in which it is almost always separated from the small intestine by an ileocaecal valve. In most vertebrates, however, it is a relatively short structure running directly to the anus, although noticeably wider than the small intestine. read more