Large Intestine (colon)
The colon is the main reservoir for feces (mainly in rectum) before defecation. It is also where the liquid stool becomes solid, by losing its water, and electrolytes. The colon also actively secretes bicarbonate and potassium, which explains why severe diarrhea can cause metabolic acidosis as well as hypokalemia. The colon also houses symbiotic bacteria that produce vitamin by-products and are essential to the human health and homeostasis.
Read more about this topic: Digestive Enzyme
Famous quotes containing the words large and/or intestine:
“Where there are large powers with little ambition ... nature may be said to have fallen short of her purposes.”
—Sir Henry Taylor (1800–1886)
“Which came first the intestine or the tapeworm?”
—William Burroughs (b. 1914)