The colon, also known as the large intestine is one of the major organs of the digestive system and plays a vital role in the processing of food and excretion of waste. It is divided into the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon.
The colon has a large surface area and plays a major role in the reabsorption of fluids and the processing and formation of waste which it pushes towards the rectum to be expelled.
Diarrhea is a condition which is characterized by frequency of bowel movements and passage of loose and watery stools. It has various causes most of which affects the normal functionality of the colon thereby limiting it's ability to reabsorb water and fluids. Such causes which affect the colon include; Bacterial infections, laxative abuse, diseases of the colon such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease etc.
