The Large Intestine

After food passes through the small intestine, it enters the large intestine. The large intestine soaks up water and turns leftover food into waste. It is the last stop before waste leaves your body.

What the Large Intestine Does

The large intestine absorbs water and salts from what is left of your food. This helps your body stay hydrated. The leftover material becomes solid waste.

The waste is stored in the last part of the large intestine, called the rectum, until you go to the bathroom.

Helpful Bacteria

Billions of helpful bacteria live inside your large intestine. They are called gut bacteria. These tiny living things help break down food that your body could not digest on its own.

Gut bacteria also make some vitamins that your body needs. Eating fruits, vegetables, and yogurt helps keep these good bacteria happy and healthy.

Fun Facts

• The large intestine is about five feet long, much shorter than the small intestine.
• It takes about 12 to 36 hours for waste to travel through the large intestine.
• There are more bacteria in your large intestine than there are cells in your whole body.

Did You Know?

The large intestine is called large not because it is longer but because it is wider than the small intestine!