intestine, large

intestine, large The tubelike organ that completes the process of digestion, receiving material from the small intestine. It has four parts: the caecum, the appendix (vermiform appendix), the colon, and the rectum. After the products of digestion enter the caecum through the ileocecal valve, they move rapidly past the appendix, which juts out from the intestine near the caecum. The colon absorbs any remaining water and forms the stool, which is sent to the rectum for elimination. The walls of the large intestine are muscular and contract to move material along its length. See also intestine; intestine, small.