What Is The Difference Between Our Intestines?

Every person has small and large intestines. Both of these organs are very important to the body because they play significant roles in digesting food and extracting nutrients for the body to use. Although they both appear as tubes, their functions are different. This article will explain some of the major differences between the intestines.

The differences can be categorized into two - external and internal. Let us first discuss the external ones.

First in the list is mobility. It is a fact that the small intestine is more mobile. It moves a lot because it has to squeeze the food and extract nutrients from it. However, the large intestine usually stays in place only. It does not move so much unless your body needs to excrete waste materials.

Second in the list is the calibre or the diameter. Obviously, the small intestine has a smaller calibre compared to its counterpart. This is probably because the small intestine is folded a lot of times and there isn't much space for it to expand.

Third in the list is the texture. If you examine both of the intestines, you will notice that the small intestine has a smoother surface area. This makes it easier to move the food around and further break it down. The large intestine, however, has a rough area that can be attributed to its sacculated surface.

If there are external differences, there are also internal differences. Here are some of them.

First in the list is the membrane. Only your small intestine has a mucous membrane. These folds are important in carrying out the functions. The large intestine, on the other hand, does not have a mucous membrane. It does, however, develop incomplete folds from time to time.

Second in the list is the villus. Villi are only present in the small intestine. They help the intestine move the food more effectively and they help in giving it a larger surface area. These structures are not present in the large intestine because it is already large and it does not need to move so much.

Obviously, the small and large intestines will differ in functions. The small intestine is mainly responsible for the food that has just been digested in the stomach. It continues the digestion process and extracts the nutrients and vitamins that the body needs. After the small intestine has extracted essential substances from the food, it transfers it to the large intestines. This is the area where stool stays before excretion. It also absorbs some of the nutrients that the small intestines have failed to extract. It absorbs excess liquid from the food making the stool harden.

These are the major differences between your large and small intestines.

Hi. I'm Karen. Ever since my friend introduced me to osteopathy, I've been a huge fan. My osteopath from Inlign Osteopathy helps me get back on track when I visit. This has inspired me to understand more about my body and how I can get the best from it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Wentworth