The intestine is a long organ that is a conductor for nutrients that enter the bloodstream. It starts from the pylorus. Food goes a long way, starting from the esophagus and along the entire length of the intestine. An adult and children may have problems, but not everyone knows about them. Many do not know how long an intestine is in an adult. You can figure this out in this article.
Bowel function
So, more details. The intestines break down nutrients, which then enter the bloodstream. They come from the stomach in a digested form. Everything that turned out to be superfluous leaves him through the anus, in the form of gases and feces. The intestine plays a peculiar role as a juicer. That is, he selects everything that is useful from the body, and the rest, which does not bring any benefit, is brought out. Also, the adult and the child have beneficial bacteria along the entire length of the intestines. They are able to attack pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms. If the intestinal microflora is disturbed, problems with the digestive system may begin and various diseases may begin to become attached.
Structure
The intestine begins with the duodenum. In shape, it resembles an arc. Its length is approximately 20 centimeters. It controls the work of the stomach, that is, regulates its motor function, and is also responsible for the amount of acid excreted. It also breaks down proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
This is followed by the small intestine. It consists of a lean and iliac part. Here, from the processed food, beneficial substances are absorbed into the blood. This gut is considered the most important, without it a person can not live.
After the small is the colon. Everything that could not be digested falls into it. Its main function will be the formation of feces and its removal, as well as the absorption of water. In the colon, the digestion process continues. In this matter, various bacteria help her. The more there are, the easier it is to do it. But when they become scarce, for example due to the use of antibiotics, the gut becomes already difficult.
The large intestine ends in the rectum. Here there is an accumulation of feces, which then leaves the body when visiting the toilet.
Important bacteria are present along the entire length of the intestines in an adult that help a person maintain the immune system. Therefore, monitoring it is especially important.
Colon diseases
Today, there are many diseases that can harm this part of the intestine. Here are the main ones:
- Colitis is an inflammation of the gut that can progress in acute, chronic and ulcerative form. It can occur after malnutrition, surgery, infection. It is considered a very dangerous disease, since in severe forms it can lead to peritonitis or even death.
- Suction problem. It is in the colon that liquids are absorbed, but sometimes this function is impaired with inflammation. Because of this, the body may suffer from dehydration.
- Constipation is a disorder caused by a lack of stool for a long time. A person by the rules should go to the toilet once a day, if he does not, then constipation has arisen. This problem comes from malnutrition or certain diseases.
- Diarrhea - frequent urination, in which feces come out in a liquid state. This disorder can be caused by infection, illness, malnutrition, or stress. With diarrhea, a person may experience pain in the anus and abdomen.
Small bowel disease
The small intestine is considered very important for humans, but periodically there may be diseases that can change ordinary life. Some of them:
- Enteritis. This disease is caused by Escherichia coli dysentery or Salmonella. Also, the cause may be prolonged use of antibiotics.
- Celiac disease. This disease occurs with a deficiency of an enzyme that can break down gluten. From it remains residues that have a bad effect on the small intestine. Because of this, the walls of the latter become thinner, and he begins to do his job poorly.
- Whipple's disease. The cause is inflammation, which is caused by certain bacteria, after which they block the possibility of absorption of beneficial substances.
- Dysbacteriosis It is formed with a significant decrease in beneficial bacteria in the small intestine. This can occur due to prolonged use of antibiotics or antimicrobials, as well as infections or food poisoning.
What is the length of the intestines in an adult
The question is ambiguous. The length of the small intestine is approximately four meters. This figure may be slightly larger or smaller, it depends on the size of the person, as well as his gender. In the dead, the length of the small intestine will be much greater, about eight meters. This is due to the fact that he lacks muscle tone.
The length of the large intestine in an adult will be much less than that of a small one. It will be about two meters, but there may be small changes in indicators.
Interesting Facts
Gas formation, or bloating, comes from the swallowed air, which passes along the entire length of the intestines of an adult and a child. In order to avoid this, you must carefully chew food.
When food enters the body, all digestive organs begin to contract so that food passes more easily.
About 7 liters of fluid enter the colon. It is obtained from water, mucus, bile and enzymes. But only 7 tablespoons come out of the human body.