2.9 Colon

• 1.5 metres long.

• No digestion of food materials in the colon.

• The main function of the colon is to absorb water and mineral salts. As the water is removed from the undigested materials, a solid or semi-solid (faeces) is formed.

• Site of microbial fermentation.

Above: The colon is made up of three sections – ascending colon, transverse colon and descending colon.