What does the lower digestive tract include?

The lower gastrointestinal tract is an important part of the digestive system. It mainly includes most of the small intestine, the colon, and the rectum. In simple terms, the lower gastrointestinal tract is the part of the digestive tract that starts at the far end of the small intestine and goes all the way to the anus. The small intestine is mainly responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat, while the colon and rectum are responsible for absorbing water and forming feces.

The small intestine is the starting point of the lower digestive tract. Although it has the word "small" in its name, it is actually the longest part of the digestive tract. The small intestine is divided into three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum is connected to the stomach and is responsible for receiving and neutralizing stomach acid while beginning to absorb nutrients. The jejunum and ileum are the main places for nutrient absorption, like our body's "nutrient processing factory."

Next is the colon, which is the "water manager" of the lower digestive tract. The main function of the colon is to absorb water and electrolytes from food residues and convert the remaining substances into feces. The colon is divided into the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon, and each part has its unique function and position. The health of the colon is essential for maintaining the water and electrolyte balance in the body.

Finally, there is the rectum, which is the "gatekeeper" of the lower digestive tract. The main task of the rectum is to store stool until the right time to defecate. The health of the rectum is directly related to our bowel habits and comfort. Any rectal problems may cause difficulty or discomfort in defecation, thus affecting our daily life.

Understanding the structure and function of the lower digestive tract can help us better understand our digestive health. If you have any discomfort or concerns about digestion, it is very important to consult a medical professional in a timely manner. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle habits can help us maintain the normal function of the lower digestive tract. I hope this article can help you have a clearer understanding of the composition of the lower digestive tract and its importance.