The bowel

The bowel is part of our digestive system. It is divided into two parts, the small bowel and the large bowel. The large bowel is made up of the colon and rectum.

The small and large bowel

View a large version of the image of the small and large bowel |

Once food has been swallowed it passes down the gullet (oesophagus) into the stomach, where digestion begins. From here it enters the small bowel where essential nutrients are taken into the body. Any undigested food passes into the large bowel, and water is removed in the colon. The remaining waste matter, known as stools or faeces, is held in the back passage (rectum) until it’s ready to be passed from the body through the anus as a bowel motion (stool).

Content last reviewed: 1 January 2013

Next planned review: 2015

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.