Medical Terminology Simplified

6–106 Absorption of water by the colon changes intestin/al contents from a fluid

to a more solid consistency known as feces or stool.Use your medical dictionary to

define feces.

6–107 Recall that the muscular contractions that propel a bolus through the di-

gestive system are known as peristalsis. These muscular contractions also move feces

through the colon during the process of defecation.

Elimination of waste products from the colon is possible because of the wavelike

contractions known as ____________________.

6–108 The ascending colon is located superior to the cecum. (See Fig. 6–1.) It

curves horizontally at the hepatic flexure and descends at the splenic flexure.

Name the organ that is in close proximity to the

hepat/ic flexure: ____________________

splen/ic flexure: ____________________

6–109 The sigmoid colon is S-shaped and extends from the descending colon

into the (8) rectum.The rectum terminates in the lower opening of the gastroin-

testinal tract, the (9) anus. Label Figure 6–3 to identify and locate the rectum

and anus.

Frame 6–98to Frame 6–109

Lower GI Tract • CHAPTER 6 239239

Healthy

colon

Intestinal

obstruction

Excision

of diseased

colon

Stoma

Colostomy

performed to

attach healthy

tissue to

abdomen

Colostomy

bag attached

to stoma

A C

D E

B

Figure 6-4Colostomy.

peristalsis

pĕr-ĭ-STĂL-sĭs

liver

spleen