NCIt related terms : LARGE INTESTINE, COLON; Colon, NOS; Colon structure (body structure); large bowel;
NCIt definition : The part of the large intestine measured from the cecum to the rectum consisting of
ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions. The purpose of the colon is
to remove water from digested food prior to excretion.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: The longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube-like organ connected
to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The colon removes water
and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The remaining material,
solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body
through the anus.; CDISC: The portion of the large intestine which extends from the cecum (or small intestine
in animals that don't have a cecum) to the rectum.;