Descending colon

Descending colon

The Descending colon is a part of the large intestine, responsible for storing the remains of digested food that will be emptied into the rectum. It is located on the left side of the abdomen.

Anatomy

The descending colon begins at the splenic flexure and ends at the sigmoid colon. It is retroperitoneal in two-thirds of humans, while in the other third, it has a mesocolon. It is also surrounded by the iliac crest, left kidneys, and ribs.

Function

The main function of the descending colon is to store food waste until it is ready to be expelled from the body. It also absorbs water, electrolytes, and vitamins produced by enteric bacteria.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the descending colon can often lead to significant discomfort and may include conditions such as colitis, diverticulitis, and cancer. Treatment for these conditions may involve medication, dietary changes, or surgery.

See also

• Anatomy of the colon
• Large intestine
• Digestive system

External links

• Descending colon at WikiMD

Descending colon Resources
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