Spiral colon

Spiral colon is a part of the large intestine found in some mammals, including horses and pigs. It is named for its spiral shape and is a continuation of the ascending colon, leading into the descending colon. The spiral colon plays a crucial role in the digestive system, aiding in the absorption of water and electrolytes from the food matter and forming feces.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The spiral colon is characterized by its coiled structure, which increases the surface area for absorption. In horses, it is divided into a large and small spiral colon. The large spiral colon is further divided into a centripetal and a centrifugal coil, while the small spiral colon consists of a simple loop. In pigs, the spiral colon is a single, elongated structure.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the spiral colon is to absorb water and electrolytes from the food matter passing through it. This helps in the formation of feces, which are then passed into the rectum for excretion. The spiral colon also houses a large number of gut flora, which aid in the digestion of food and the production of certain vitamins.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Diseases of the spiral colon can lead to serious health problems in animals. These include colic in horses, which is often caused by impaction or twisting of the spiral colon, and swine dysentery, a bacterial infection that affects the large intestine in pigs.