Colon

Definition

The colon is a major part of the large intestine that absorbs water and salts from the material that has not been digested as food, turning it into solid waste (feces). It plays a critical role in the body's hydration and waste processing.

Related terms

Feces: The solid or semisolid waste material that is expelled from the bowel during defecation.

Absorption: The process by which nutrients from foods are taken into the blood circulation through the walls of the intestine.

Large Intestine: A part of the gastrointestinal tract following the small intestine that absorbs water from and consolidates the intestinal contents into feces