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The large intestine isn't "smaller" than the small intestine -- it's shorter. Digestion takes place in the small intestine therefore more surface area is needed for nutrient absorption. The primary role of the large intestine is to absorb water along with a few nutrients and to form and transport stool.

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Which is longer the smaller intestine or the large intestine?

The small intestine is considerably longer than the large intestine, but the large intestine is wider in diameter, from which it derives its name. Yes. It is smaller in diameter than the large intestine but much longer. The small intestine is longer than the large intestine but it is called small intestine because its diameter is smaller than that of the large intestine.


Why is a frogs small intestine called small and when is it actually longer then the large intestine?

The reason why the large intestine is called the longer one is because it is much more thicker than than the small one which is skinnier but much more longer


Which one is larger the small intestine or the large intestine?

The smaller intestine is larger because it is 20 feet long and the large intestine is only 5 feet long


How much longer is the small intenstine than the large intestine?

In adult humans, the small intestine is around 7m long, and about 3cm wide. The large intestine is about 1.5 metres long and around 6-10cm wide. The large intestine is called 'large' because it is wider than the small intestine, it is not longer.


Why is the small intestine called the small intestine?

Interesting enough, the small intestine is actually longer than the large intestine--it's the alimentary canal's longest compartment! It is called 'small' because of its small diameter.


Is the small intestine shorter than the large intestine?

that's just how ur body is made


What comes first liver or small intestine?

small intestine digestion starts in the mouth then the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, then excreated through the rectum


Why are the length of the frog different from the length of the small intestine?

The large intestine is thicker in circumference.


Why the large intestine is called the large intestine?

the small intestine is called so because of its thickness not length . therefore the large intestine is called so because it is fat.


Why is the small intestine long?

Because it takes time to absorb food.


Why is the large intestine larger than the small intestine?

The small intestine in an adult human measures about 7 meters in length and is approximately 2.5-3 cm in diameter. Although the small intestine is much longer than the http://www.answers.com/topic/large-intestine-2largee large intestine (typically 4-5 times longer), it gets its name from its comparatively smaller diameter. Although a simple tube the length and diameter of the small intestine would have a surface area of only about 0.5m2, the surface complexity of the inner lining of the small intestine increase its surface area by a factor of 500 to approximately 250m2, or roughly the size of a tennis court.


If the small intestine is about seven meters long and the large intestine is about two meters long why aren't the names switched?

The names are based on their girth or thickness/width; the long intestine is much wider than the small intestine.the large intestine is much wide as compared to the small intestine, so i think it is not based on its length but the thickness. plus the large intestine leads to the anus and is less convoluted as the small intestine.