Intestines - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Intestine \In*tes"tine\, n.; pl. Intestines. [L. intestinum: cf. F. intestin. See Intestine, a.] 1. (Anat.) That part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus. See Illust. of Digestive apparatus.

2. pl. The bowels; entrails; viscera.

Large intestine (Human Anat. & Med.), the lower portion of the bowel, terminating at the anus. It is adapted for the retention of fecal matter, being shorter, broader, and less convoluted than the small intestine; it consists of three parts, the c[ae]cum, colon, and rectum.

Small intestine (Human Anat. & Med.), the upper portion of the bowel, in which the process of digestion is practically completed. It is narrow and contorted, and consists of three parts, the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

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