![]() ![]() The first happens automatically, and a person cannot control it. The rectumĪs the digested food moves into the rectum, nerves in the wall of the rectum known as stretch receptors detect when the chamber is full and stimulate the desire to defecate.ĭefecation involves two types of muscle movement. Next, peristalsis moves the feces toward the rectum. cecum, a pouch through which food enters from the small intestineįrom the large intestine, the body absorbs water and electrolytes.įood travels slowly through the colon to allow the body to absorb water, and trillions of gut bacteria break down any undigested food.The large intestine is around 6 ft (2 m) long and consists of the: How do the intestines work? The large intestineĪny unabsorbed food and nutrients now pass to the large intestine, or colon. By increasing their surface area, the villi maximize their absorption of nutrients. Within the villi are tiny capillaries called lacteals. Villi are tiny, finger-like projections that line the walls of the small intestine. Once the food is fully broken down, the villi absorb the nutrients, which enter the bloodstream. ![]() The ileum: This contains the ileocecal valve, a sphincter through which food passes to the large intestine. ![]() The jejunum: Most of the chemical digestion and absorption occur here. ![]()
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