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What is the Ascending Colon?

Lucinda Reynolds
Lucinda Reynolds

The ascending colon is one part of four sections of the large intestine. This first section of the large intestine is connected to the small intestine by a section of bowel called the cecum. The ascending colon runs through the abdominal cavity, upwards toward the transverse colon for approximately eight inches (20 cm).

One of the main functions of the colon is to remove the water and other key nutrients from waste material and recycle it back into the body. As the waste material exits the small intestine it will move into the cecum and then the ascending colon where this process of extracting starts. The waste material is moved upwards toward the transverse section of the colon by a process called peristalsis.

Disorders of the ascending colon include polyps.
Disorders of the ascending colon include polyps.

Peristalsis is the coordinated contraction of muscle movement to move food or waste through a tube. To simplify, food and waste particles are squeezed through a tube-like structure by a squeezing motion. Peristalsis takes place in the esophagus when an individual swallows food. It also takes place in the colon as it moves solid waste through the large intestine to be expelled from the body through the rectum.

Polyps can grow, and lead to colon cancer if they are not treated.
Polyps can grow, and lead to colon cancer if they are not treated.

Disorders of the ascending colon include polyps. This is a fleshy growth that can protrude from the lining of the colon. These polyps can become larger and lead to colon cancer if they are not treated. Doctors recommend that everyone over the age of 50 receive a colonoscopy every three to five years to check for and remove any existing polyps.

During a colonoscopy, the doctor will insert a flexible instrument called a colonoscope into the rectum and advance it through the length of the colon. This colonoscope has a small camera and light attached to it to enable the doctor to visualize the lining of the colon. It also has extra ports attached through which the doctor can pass any surgical instruments needed to remove tissue for biopsy or to remove polyps.

In order to maintain a healthy digestive system, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
In order to maintain a healthy digestive system, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Some individuals will develop an ascending colon mass. This type of mass is almost always colon cancer. The individual with a mass in this location may not have any symptoms until the cancer is advanced. This is because a mass in the ascending colon is less likely to cause obstruction because the fecal matter in this section of the colon is mainly liquid.

Doctors recommend that everyone over the age of 50 receive a colonoscopy every three to five years.
Doctors recommend that everyone over the age of 50 receive a colonoscopy every three to five years.

It is important to maintain a healthy digestive system to avoid any complications such as polyps or colon cancer. The best way to do this is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Water is essential to a healthy colon because it helps to keep the stool soft and promotes bowel movements. Regular exercise will also help the colon stay healthy by promoting the elimination of waste. A proper functioning colon is important to a healthy body.

Discussion Comments

anon158318

Your site is super helpful, thank you! I'm working on a project and this is the exact information I needed!

hyrax53

So many parts of the body seem to be able to develop polyps, and research is showing these things are on the rise, and even non-cancerous ones can be very painful. While not entirely preventable, a healthy diet high in fluids, fruits and vegetables and low in alcohol can help a lot in preventing them.

sapphire12

Some people try to use fasting diets to "clean out" their colons- this is a very bad idea. Your colon, like any part of the body, will only keep working if it is challenged at least somewhat eat day. By going on a diet that is limited to liquids and only a few kinds of food, you are not only not getting enough nutrients, you are also giving your colon a rest that it does not need, which can cause problems when you start eating a more full diet again.

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    • Disorders of the ascending colon include polyps.
      By: rob3000
      Disorders of the ascending colon include polyps.
    • Polyps can grow, and lead to colon cancer if they are not treated.
      By: rob3000
      Polyps can grow, and lead to colon cancer if they are not treated.
    • In order to maintain a healthy digestive system, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
      By: Serghei Velusceac
      In order to maintain a healthy digestive system, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
    • Doctors recommend that everyone over the age of 50 receive a colonoscopy every three to five years.
      By: auremar
      Doctors recommend that everyone over the age of 50 receive a colonoscopy every three to five years.
    • A polyp may be removed and the tissue examined under a microscope if cancer is suspected.
      By: luchschen_shutter
      A polyp may be removed and the tissue examined under a microscope if cancer is suspected.
    • Heavy beer drinkers may experience an increased risk of colon cancer.
      By: Nitr
      Heavy beer drinkers may experience an increased risk of colon cancer.
    • The large intestine is made up of four parts, including the ascending colon.
      By: pixdesign123
      The large intestine is made up of four parts, including the ascending colon.
    • The ascending colon is one part of four sections of the large intestine.
      By: graphicgeoff
      The ascending colon is one part of four sections of the large intestine.