Vastagbélre

Vastagbélre, often translated as "colon" in English, refers to the final section of the digestive system in humans and other vertebrates. It is a long, tubular organ responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter and transmitting the useless waste material from the body. The colon begins at the cecum, where it receives digested material from the small intestine, and extends to the rectum, ending at the anus.

The wall of the vastagbélre is composed of several layers, including a muscular layer that propels its contents forward through peristalsis. It houses a vast and complex community of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which play a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system development. These bacteria ferment undigested carbohydrates, producing short-chain fatty acids that can be absorbed by the body, and synthesize certain vitamins, such as vitamin K and some B vitamins.

The primary functions of the vastagbélre are water and electrolyte absorption, compacting the waste material into feces, and storing feces before defecation. Disruptions to the normal function of the vastagbélre can lead to various health issues, including constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and colorectal cancer. Medical conditions affecting the vastagbélre are often diagnosed through procedures like colonoscopy, which allows for direct visualization and biopsy of the colon's lining.