Colon

The colon (from the Latin colon, from the Ancient Greek κῶλον / kōlon)[1] is located in the abdomen, between the ileocecal valve and the rectosigmoid junction[2] in mammals. It begins in the right iliac fossa and follows the small intestine. It opens into the rectum, with which it forms the large intestine. It is arranged in a loop within the abdominal cavity. In humans, it is approximately 1.5 m long and 4 cm in diameter, with a volume of about 1.8 liters.

Its primary function is to extract water and minerals from undigested waste before it is eliminated from the body. The colon therefore does not play a major role in nutrient absorption.