Dickdarm

Dickdarm is the German word for the large intestine. It is the final section of the digestive system, responsible for absorbing water from indigestible food matter and transmitting the useless waste material from the body. The large intestine is wider and shorter than the small intestine, measuring approximately 1.5 meters in length. It begins at the ileocecal valve and extends to the anus.

The dickdarm is divided into several parts: the cecum, the colon (which is further subdivided into the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon), the rectum, and the anal canal. Bacteria residing within the dickdarm play a crucial role in breaking down remaining nutrients and producing certain vitamins, such as vitamin K and some B vitamins. The process of peristalsis moves the fecal matter through the dickdarm, allowing for water absorption. When the waste material reaches the rectum, it is stored until it is eliminated from the body through the anus during defecation. Disruptions in the function of the dickdarm can lead to various digestive issues.