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Large Intestine Facts & Worksheets

The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for the absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food.

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The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for the absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum.

See the fact file below for more information on the large intestine or alternatively, you can download our 20-page Large Intestine worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

FUNCTION

  • The large intestine has 3 primary functions: absorbing water and electrolytes, producing and absorbing vitamins, and forming and propelling feces toward the rectum for elimination.
  • By the time indigestible materials have reached the colon, most nutrients and up to 90% of the water has been absorbed by the small intestine.
  • The role of the ascending colon is to absorb the remaining water and other key nutrients from the indigestible material, solidifying it to form stool.
  • The descending colon stores feces that will eventually be emptied into the rectum. The sigmoid colon contracts to increase the pressure inside the colon, causing the stool to move into the rectum. The rectum holds the feces awaiting elimination by defecation.

CONDITION

  • There are many diseases and conditions that are associated with the colon.
  • Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or in the lower colon near the rectum. It is one of the most common causes of cancer-associated death.
  • The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 93,090 new cases of colon cancer in the United States in 2015 and one in 20 will get colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
  • Polyps are an abnormal growth of tissue on the inner lining of the colon or rectum that are benign, non-cancerous tumors, according to the American Cancer Society.
  • These polyps can sometimes turn into cancer, but many times do not. There are several types of polyps. Adenomatous polyps can change into cancer and are considered precancerous. Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps are not typically pre-cancerous, though some in the medical community think they may be signs of future colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
  • Doctors usually remove all polyps, just in case. Colon dysplasia is when a spot of cells on the lining of the colon look abnormal under a microscope. These cells are not cancerous, but can change into cancer over time.
  • People who have had diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease for many years can develop colon dysplasia. Spastic colon, also called irritable bowel syndrome, is more than just a colon problem.

PROMOTING HEALTHY COLON

  • There are many ways to improve large intestine health, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet that is full of fruits and vegetables, consuming a fiber-rich diet, drinking adequate amounts of water, exercising regularly and following recommended guidelines for colon cancer screenings.
  • Supplements, such as curcumin and omega-3, can help reduce chronic inflammation, said Goel. Other vitamins can be helpful, as well. “Low vitamin B6 levels have been associated with increased risk of certain cancers, such as colon and cognitive decline,” Dr. Sherry Ross, women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, told Live Science.
  • A study showed that taking both curcumin and boswellic acids may help prevent colon cancer. “We have known for a while that curcumin and boswellia both have potent anti-cancer properties,” said Goel, one of the study’s authors.
  • “In this study, we investigated how they work in conjunction to reduce proliferation and increase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (various mechanisms by which cancer cells are killed). We found that the two together activate a broader array of gene regulators called microRNAs, with a wider spectrum of impact compared to either compound individually.”

COLON CLEANSES

  • Many people use colon cleanses as a means to keep the colon healthy.
  • This process includes taking laxatives, teas, powders or supplements, using enemas, or getting colonic irrigation (colon hydrotherapy) to flush out the colon.
  • There can be side effects to cleansing, and some practices can even be dangerous. Doctors have varied opinions on cleansing.
  • The colon’s very function is to remove toxins, so many doctors and medical groups, like the Mayo Clinic, believe that cleansing is unneeded and advise against it or to use with caution. Others, like Dr. Ajay Goel, director of epigenetics, cancer prevention, and genomics at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, believe they can be helpful.
  • “Colon cleanses can be very helpful in eliminating/washing away toxins from the body, but one must keep in mind that these cleanses (should be) as natural as possible and do not use strong/harsh chemicals, as these may provide temporary relief, but in the long run can negatively impact your colon health,” said Goel.
  • There are many products on the market that claim to deliver similar benefits through oral supplements. These may come in capsules, powders, or teas, and include plant fibers and natural laxatives. If you opt for supplements, read the package directions carefully and discuss the ingredients with your doctor.

Large Intestine Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the large intestine across 20 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Large Intestine worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the large intestine which is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for the absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Large Intestine Facts
  • Info Cards
  • Procedure Snapshot
  • Supply the Meaning
  • Word Search
  • Prevention
  • Illustrate It!
  • L.I. Match
  • L.I. Words
  • Slogan Making
  • Looking Back!

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Link will appear as Large Intestine Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, September 26, 2019

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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