The large intestine is the final section of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily responsible for water absorption and feces formation. It hosts a diverse microbiota crucial for various bodily functions including immunity and metabolism.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The large intestine includes the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.
It houses a complex and dense microbial ecosystem known as the gut microbiota.
Beneficial bacteria in the large intestine aid in digestion of certain carbohydrates through fermentation.
Disruptions to the normal microbiota can lead to conditions like Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).
The large intestine plays a role in synthesizing certain vitamins such as vitamin K and biotin.
The community of microorganisms living in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals.
Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI): A bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea, often associated with antibiotic use that disrupts normal gut flora.