The colon is 1.2 to 1.5 m (4 to 5 ft.) long and slightly wider than the small intestine. It is divided into five sections:
• ascending colon
• transverse colon
• descending colon
• sigmoid colon
• rectum.
The main functions of the colon are to absorb water and minerals such as potassium and sodium , and to store waste until it is ready to be expelled by the body.
The rectum, the last portion of the colon, is shaped like an elongated pouch. When fecal material, or stool , moves into the rectum, special receptors cause a person to feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
The digestive process normally takes from several hours to a few days.
