The first part of the large intestine, separated from the small intestine by the ileo-colic sphincter. It is small in carnivorous animals and very large in herbivores, since it is involved in the digestion of cellulose. In omnivorous animals, including human beings, it is of intermediate size. See also gastro-intestinal tract.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2005 by A. E. Bender and D. A. Bender. All rights reserved.