What is the width and length of human colon?

Answer 1

The main job of the colon is the reabsorption of water and salts from chyme that enters into it from the small intestine. As the water is drawn out it turns into feces. For this reason it has to be wider than the small intestine, which is about an inch in diameter. On average the colon is about four feet long and two inches wide in most places. Some parts, like the cecum, can be wider, up to three inches, while other places, like the anal canal, can be a bit narrower if it is empty. The colon is also known as the large intestine. It is divided into four segments, totaling approximately 60 inches on average.

1) The Ascending colon connects to the small intestine, and is about 8 inches long.

2) The Transverse colon is usually over 18 inches long and extends from the hepatic flexure, across the upper abdomen to the splenic flexure.

3) The Descending colon is usually less than 12 inches long and extends from the splenic flexure downwards to the start of the pelvis.

4) The Sigmoid colon is S-shaped and is about 18 inches long. It extends from the descending colon to the rectum. The rectum measures from 4-6 inches in length.

Answer 2

The volume of the colon depends upon height, weight, a bit of genetics, activity level and degree of hydration and fiber in the diet. In general it is a cylinder about 1.5 meters long and a diameter of 6-9 cm in differing places.

Answer 3

The average width of the human colon is around 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches), and the length can vary from person to person but is generally around 1.5-1.8 meters (5-6 feet).