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Physiology of the Colon

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Colon, Rectum and Anus: Anatomic, Physiologic and Diagnostic Bases for Disease Management

Part of the book series: Coloproctology ((COLOPROCT,volume 1))

Abstract

The colon (or large bowel), the gut portion comprised between the ileocecal valve and the anal sphincter, is the distal part of the intestine. Physiologically, the colon has important functions, such as absorption of water and electrolytes and storage, transport, and expulsion into the external environment of the contents residual from the previous digestive processes, i.e., the feces. These processes are based on biochemical and physical pathways and are controlled by both extrinsic and intrinsic nerve supplies. This chapter will take into consideration such physiological functions, particularly those related to secretion/absorption and motility.

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Abbreviations

HAPC:

High-amplitude propagated contractions

LAPC:

Low-amplitude propagated contractions

MMC:

Migrating motor complex

RMC:

Rectal motor complex

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy

    Gabrio Bassotti

  2. Gastroenterology Unit, Cardinal Massaja Hospital, Asti, Italy

    Edda Battaglia

Authors
  1. Gabrio Bassotti
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  2. Edda Battaglia
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Correspondence to Gabrio Bassotti .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Catholic University, Department of Surgical Sciences, Proctology Unit, Rome, Italy

    Carlo Ratto

  2. Department of Surgical Sciences, Proctology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy

    Angelo Parello

  3. Department of Surgical Sciences, Proctology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy

    Lorenza Donisi

  4. Department of Surgical Sciences, Proctology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy

    Francesco Litta

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Bassotti, G., Battaglia, E. (2017). Physiology of the Colon. In: Ratto, C., Parello, A., Donisi, L., Litta, F. (eds) Colon, Rectum and Anus: Anatomic, Physiologic and Diagnostic Bases for Disease Management. Coloproctology, vol 1. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09807-4_7

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