colonascending

Colonascending is a term used to refer to the ascending colon, the portion of the large intestine located on the right side of the abdomen. It extends from the ileocecal valve to the hepatic flexure and forms part of the colon’s proximal segment. The ascending colon is secondarily retroperitoneal, meaning it is attached to the posterior abdominal wall and generally lacks a mesentery.

Anatomically, the ascending colon contains the same circular and longitudinal smooth muscle layers as the rest of the colon. It displays haustra (pouch-like segments) and longitudinal bands called taeniae coli, which help segment and move contents. The wall is continuous with the cecum and transitions to the transverse colon at the hepatic flexure.

The blood supply to the colonascending comes primarily from the ileocolic and right colic arteries, branches of the superior mesenteric artery. Venous drainage follows the corresponding veins into the superior mesenteric vein. Lymphatic drainage follows the superior mesenteric lymph nodes. Innervation is via the parasympathetic system through the vagus nerve up to the proximal colon, with sympathetic fibers from the superior mesenteric plexus.

Functions of the ascending colon include absorption of water and electrolytes from chyme, formation of semi-solid feces, and participation in bacterial fermentation. Clinically, diseases can affect this segment, including inflammatory bowel disease, infectious colitis, ischemia, and cancer. Treatment for localized disease may involve right hemicolectomy or other surgical resections, depending on pathology and extent. Colonascending is commonly examined in imaging and endoscopy to assess abnormalities in this region.