What is the difference between large and small intestines

The mucosa of the large intestine does not have folds comparable to the plicae circularis, except in the rectum. Also, the intestinal villi are absent beyond the ileocecal valve. The mucosa of the colon is lined by a simple columnar epithelium with a thin brush border and numerous goblet cells. Note that there are no plicae or villi. In many regions the mucus is partially preserved and stains with hematoxylin. At the base of the crypts, undifferentiated cells and endocrine cells are present; however, Paneth cells are not usually present.

The appearance of the lamina propria is essentially the same as in the small intestine: Leukocytes are abundant and the isolated lymphoid nodules present in this tissue extend into the submucosal layer survey the left lower area of slide The muscularis mucosae is a bit more prominent compared to the small intestine, and consists of distinct inner circular and outer longitudinal layers. The submucosa of this specimen is particularly well fixed such that you may better appreciate the mixture of irregular connective and adipose tissue, numerous blood vessels, and several excellent examples of ganglion cells and nerves of the submucosal plexus.

This section happened to be cut such that a piece of one of these longitudinal bands may be seen. Look at these slides especially slide at low magnification first to locate the recto-anal junction. Here you will observe a narrow zone of transition from the simple columnar epithelium of the intestine to the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of skin. Within the transition zone, you may find stratified columnar or sometimes cuboidal epithelium followed by nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

While looking, move the image from the colon toward the direction of the recto-anal junction. Observe that the crypts become shorter and shorter, eventually disappearing near the junction. Also observe that the muscularis mucosae becomes tattered and disappears, allowing the lamina propria merge with the underlying submucosa in this area. Note the presence of a large number of submucosal veins View Image.

When these veins become dilated and varicose, they cause the mucosa to bulge and create the condition commonly known as hemorrhoids. Examine the skin lining the anal region and observe sebaceous and sweat glands, hair follicles, etc.

Also, note the massive amount of smooth and skeletal muscle that form the internal View Image and external anal sphincters View Image , respectively. The primate specimen slide shows these muscles quite well. The micrograph will help you understand the pattern, which arises from the inner circular layer and outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle cells.

Without the knowledge in which direction the intestinal epithelium is located, it is not possible to discriminate between the two sublayers of the muscularis externa. Note that cells are sloughing off at the tip of the villus. Find some goblet cells, which represent one resident cell type of the intestinal epithelium. The small lymphocyte is transient and is not a permanent component of the epithelium.

Study the composition of the connective tissue core of the villus. It is only one cell layer thick and columnar, as the cells are rather tall.

Presence of Villi Villi are present. Villi are absent. Peyers Patches Peyers Patches are present. Peyers patches are absent. Muscle bands It forms the layer of continuous bands of muscles around it. It is reduced to three types of muscles bands called as taeniae coli.

Taeniae Coli Taenia coli is absent from the surface of small intestine. Taenia Coli are present. Motility It shows small movements in the abdominal cavity. Large intestine is fixed or show very little mobility. Hastura Absent Present Epiploic appendages Epipolic apppedages is absent in small intestine.

Epipolic appendages are present. Role in digestion Digestion is complicated. No role in digestion. Hormones Secreted Numerous hormones are secreted. No hormones are secreted. Activity It absorb the nutrients from the digested food. It takes part in absorption of water and electrolytes and in production of vitamins.

It shows small movements in abdominal activity. It has less mobility and is largely fixed. Read on to learn more about diagnosis, treatment, and when to seek advice. How long are the intestines? Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Small intestine Small intestine length Large intestine Large intestine length Comparison Summary The small and large intestines are a vital part of the human digestive system.

What is the small intestine? How long is the small intestine? What is the large intestine? How long is the large intestine? Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. How do the intestines work?

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