The structure of the human intestine. Photos and diagrams

The intestine is a vital organ and is large in size. The general condition of a person depends on his work. Many believe that it is formed only from the small and large intestines, although it has many more sections that perform separate functions and have Luberkühn’s crypts in the mucous membrane. The human intestine has a unique microflora, due to the activity of which the digestive organs function safely. Microorganisms that enter inside are filtered through it. With the slightest infection, the microflora begins to die, which provokes diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is important to know the main points from the anatomy of the intestinal environment, as well as intestinal motility.

Knowledge of the anatomy of the intestine gives an advantage in case of unforeseen situations or at the first symptoms of pain.

Intestines - what is it?

The intestine is designed in such a way that it is one of the largest organs in the human body, the largest section in the gastrointestinal tract, through which products pass and are digested all the time. It is located in the abdominal cavity and is of great importance.

It is in the intestines that food is digested and absorbed thanks to the villi, and certain types of hormones are produced. Special villi are located on the inner layers of the intestines, where a mass of various vitamins are ultimately broken down and carbohydrates and fats are processed. In addition, there are up to 7 crypts per villi. Also important is the normal mobility of the muscles of the organ, which promotes the movement of food in the intestinal tract.

In addition, the organ occupies an important place in the functioning of the immune system. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria settle here and fight infections. The size of the organ can reach from 4 to 8 meters, but despite its size, this section of the gastrointestinal tract must be protected and carefully monitored for health, because everything in the body is interconnected, and most of the products pass through the intestines.

In addition, there are fungal spores in the intestines. In the normal state of the digestive tract, there are very few of them. But if the patient leads an incorrect lifestyle, the number of spores increases. Malfunctions in the digestive tract can also affect other organs, and the person will be very sick and have a low-grade fever. In addition, aging will occur faster.

The intestine is enriched with arteries. An important point in the anatomy of the intestine is the blood supply to the organ, which travels a long way. This process involves three main branches of the blood aorta in the abdominal part: the superior, inferior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk. Because of them, a complete blood supply to the entire organ is realized. The jejunal and ileal arteries, which are branches of the superior mesenteric artery and do not have septa, are responsible for the jejunum and ileum.

Functions

There is no single function in the functioning of the intestines. Firstly, the intestine is part of the immune environment, because it helps in the fight against harmful microorganisms that can cause disease. This is because once ingested, the harmful putrefactive bacteria must multiply in order to infect the body. As is known, in the intestinal environment there is visible protection against certain microflora. It literally comes into action like a shield, moves and protects a person from the effects of the infection that enters, and as a result completely destroys the root of the disease, and as a result there will be no low-grade fever.

Secondly, an important function is digestion, during which residual fats and carbohydrates are constantly broken down in the intestinal environment, vitamins and peptide hormones are synthesized. As a result, it is possible to produce the necessary antibodies, and visible residues go into the formation of feces.

It is important to monitor your health, especially the gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal microflora is a very strong shield against illnesses, however, if the patient leads an incorrect lifestyle, then during this period the “native” microorganisms weaken and die, become unable to produce antibodies, and passages open into the human body for putrefactive bacteria, which quickly enter there. At the same time, in the peculiar microflora that initially laid its roots, all toxins that cause various poisonings and low-grade fever are destroyed.

In addition, beneficial bacteria protect a person from a maturing allergic reaction, as a result of which the immune and circulatory systems work more actively. Putrefactive bacteria themselves are very powerful microorganisms. Therefore, to maintain health, you need to undergo checks with doctors in order to avoid undesirable consequences. When examined by a doctor, there is a special scheme that allows you to make a diagnosis and determine the problems and the root of their occurrence.

It is necessary to limit the patient's contact with junk food and addictions. This will only be beneficial for a person, because this way you can get rid of diseases.

How does it work?

Digestion always begins in the small intestine, while in the pancreas, the ducts of which exit into the gastrointestinal tract, the antibodies necessary for this process begin to be produced. Next, vitamins are absorbed, and fats and carbohydrates are broken down into simpler compounds, such as monosaccharides and fatty acids. Due to intestinal contractions, digested particles move to the large intestine, where they are released naturally. The anatomy of the intestine at first glance seems simple, because it is divided into two main sections - the large intestine and the small intestine, while there is no septum. But there are several other sections of the intestine in the structure. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Features of the structure of the small intestine

The small intestine is the longest in the intestine

The small intestine is the longest, starting from the stomach and ending directly at the large intestine. All sorts of processes take place in this intestine, including digestion. The mesentery, which is part of the structure, consists of two parts of the peritoneum and unites the posterior sections of the abdominal cavity and intestines. The walls of the organ are formed from 4 main layers: outer, muscular, submucosal and mucous. The last layer contains smooth muscle and connective tissue plate, epithelium. In addition, the upper layer of villi consists of epithelial cells, due to which the absorption of microelements begins.

The small intestine has 3 sections that do not have a septum. This includes areas:

The duodenum, from which the organ begins. This section reaches up to 30 centimeters, bypasses the pancreas, and the bases of the common bile and pancreatic duct pass into it. Due to the incoming juice from the pancreas and bile, food is quickly digested, passed through, completely absorbed and released from it the necessary microelements. This section has this name because of its length, because even ancient healers measured it precisely by the fingers, which were called fingers. This section of the small intestine performs a number of functions, including secretory, evacuation and motor. The walls of the duodenum have a dense network of blood supply.

The jejunum, which occupies the entire upper section. The name is given due to the fact that when opened, this section always turns out to be empty. The membranes of the department are covered with smooth muscle tissue, which consists of an external longitudinal and internal circular layer. This department can be affected by diseases such as enteritis, ascariasis, and the root of cancer can also be laid.
The ileal section, which, due to its location, occupies the entire lower half of the small intestine. This area is completely covered by peritoneum and is much larger than the jejunum. At the same time, the warm membrane of the ileum is much stronger, and its blood supply is much stronger. The walls of the section are formed from two layers, just like the previous section, they do not have a partition. In an adult, the ileal warm region can reach 2.6 meters, while in women it is shorter than in men. Usually, after aging and death, this area stretches to almost 4 meters. Also, this department is characterized by various types of contractions, including peristalsis and rhythmic segmentation. One of the features includes the possibility of producing neurotensin, a neuropeptide that is a kind of regulator of eating and drinking reflexes.

The process of water absorption occurs in the large intestine

The large intestine is considered the end of the gastrointestinal tract. The diameter can reach from 4 to 10 centimeters, and the length – up to 2 meters. The membranes contain the same layers as those of the small intestine. It is in these layers during the period when food is digested, water is absorbed and masses of feces are formed. In addition, the department has a complex structure, which includes:

A blind section with a vermiform outgrowth, which is also called the appendix. There cannot be normal peristalsis without this vital department, because it reduces the level of activity of harmful microorganisms. The worm-shaped outgrowth has a great influence, because it is a source of development of beneficial bacteria. Thus, the work of the blind section is associated with the work of the immune system, which protects the body from diseases. On the mucous layer is the Luberkühn gland, a crypt, which is an important structural unit. When this department is damaged, typhlitis and appendicitis develop, and in particularly advanced cases, tumor roots form, which are accompanied by fever and acceleration of the aging process.
The colon, which is the main region but does not have a septum. This rather voluminous formation is not involved in the digestion of food, its passage and absorption, but it has a great influence. This is where the bulk of the water and the required amount of electrolytes are absorbed. Liquid food that is not completely digested moves here and becomes solid feces. The length of this section of the large intestine is approximately 1.5 meters, and the diameter can reach 8 centimeters. In addition, the colon consists of three sections:

ascending, the length of which reaches 20 centimeters;
transverse colon, which is the longest and reaches 56 centimeters;
descending with a length of up to 22 centimeters.

This area can be affected by diseases such as constipation, diarrhea, colitis, intussusception, etc. This is due to the fact that people are increasingly leading a sedentary lifestyle, eating poorly, and having bad habits.

The final processes of nutrient absorption occur in the large intestine.

It also includes the warm sigmoid colon, the work of which determines the condition of the entire large intestine. If ailments affecting this department are not treated in time, the entire gastrointestinal tract may be completely damaged, which will ultimately lead to health problems in general. To know which part of the intestine is affected, you need to know what the arrangement of the sections looks like. The sigmoid colon is located in the area between the straight descending colon, and sometimes it can reach the area of the right hypochondrium. This section of the large intestine can reach almost 70 centimeters in length, and the diameter ranges up to 4 centimeters. This department is actively involved in the digestive processes. The intestine, like a sponge, absorbs incoming water resources and then distributes them throughout all systems of an adult. If the patient experiences any unpleasant symptoms, the doctor can easily palpate the area located on the left side.
The last, final section is the rectum, which is also called the rectum. Located in the pelvic area, it ends with the anus. Compared to other sections, it is small: the length can be from 14 to 16 centimeters, and the diameter is 4 centimeters in the anus, and above it reaches 7.5 centimeters. The anal canal reaches from 3 to 5 centimeters. It interacts with other nearby organs. The main function is that feces accumulate here and are then removed from the body. Thus, the rectum acts as a kind of reservoir for processed food. The diaphragm muscles of the intestine are also important, as they help retain feces, preventing them from coming out. With an incorrect lifestyle, a person can develop diseases of the rectum such as ulcerative colitis, attacks of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and the roots of the development of rectal gonorrhea and rectal adenoma are laid. To prevent this from happening, you must take care of your health.

Why do humans have such long intestines?
("Other")

Herbivores have fairly long intestines. The blind and thick sections are quite well developed in them. The length of the colon in rodents can reach 53% of the total length of the entire intestine. In predators it is much shorter. For example, a sheep has an intestine whose length exceeds the body length by 29-35 times, a wild boar by 14 times, a horse by 12 times, and a wolf by 6 times. The thick section is inhabited by symbiotic microflora, which is most well developed in herbivores. The intestines...

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Biologically, man was formed as a vegan a very long time ago, and, as is known, hereditary characteristics in highly organized beings are very stable.

Although, since the Ice Age, man has been eating meat, his anatomy and physiology have remained the same, adapted to eating plant foods rather than meat. Its teeth cannot tear raw meat, it does not have the fangs of a predator, but its front teeth - incisors - are adapted for biting off fruits or vegetables, and the side teeth are designed for chewing fiber and rough plant foods.

The human intestines are long, like those of other herbivorous animals - fiber requires considerable time to digest.

The human body temperature is lower than that of a predator (for example, a dog), and this also prevents a person from digesting meat food.

Comparative analysis of the human digestive system with carnivores, herbivores and omnivores.

Man is most often referred to as an "omnivore"....

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The intestine is a section of the digestive system in most vertebrates. It follows directly behind the stomach. In the intestine, the final digestion of food taken, the absorption of nutrients, and the removal (evacuation) of undigested substances are carried out. In some animals, the digestive tract consists only of this section. Moreover, the length of the intestine depends on the type of animal, the characteristics of the food it eats and age.

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In carnivores, the length of the gastrointestinal tract is only 3 times the length of the animal's body, which allows rotting meat to be quickly removed from the body.

In herbivores, the length of the gastrointestinal tract is 6-10 times longer than the body length; Plant foods break down much more slowly than meat, so they can stay in the intestines longer.

In humans, as an omnivore (but more of a herbivore), the length of the intestine is 6-8 times the length of the body.

In its internal structure, humans are more similar to herbivores than to predators. It has ten times less acidic gastric juice than carnivores, does not have sharp incisors necessary for tearing meat, and has flat molars designed for longer digestion of food.
A person does not have fangs, but only the rudiments of fangs. The length of the gastrointestinal tract in humans is like that of a cow: eight times longer than the length of the body, so toxins released during the decomposition of eaten meat remain in the body for a very long time...

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The intestine is a long organ that conducts nutrients into the blood. It starts from the pylorus of the stomach. Food travels a long way, starting from the esophagus and along the entire length of the intestines. Adults and children may have problems, but not everyone knows about them. Many people do not know how long the intestines are in an adult. This article can help you figure it out.

Bowel functions

So, more details. The intestines break down nutrients, which then enter the blood. They come from the stomach already digested. Everything that turns out to be unnecessary leaves him through the anus, in the form of gases and feces. The intestines perform a peculiar role as a juicer. That is, it selects everything useful from the body, and removes the rest that does not bring any benefit to the outside. Also, along the entire length of the intestines, an adult and a child have beneficial bacteria. They are able to attack pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms. In case of violation...

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Intestinal length in animals and humans

Vegetarianism or meat-eating - what is a person intended for?

I quite often hear statements that a person is by design a predator or, on the contrary, a herbivore. Sometimes this develops into debates about the benefits/harms of vegetarianism/meat-eating and what food the human body is designed for.

I wanted to understand this issue more deeply, to find arguments in favor of one point of view or another.

I must immediately make a reservation that I consider vegetarianism more preferable for humans.

All factors in favor of a particular food belong to one of two types: physiological (structure of external and internal organs) and factors of expediency #8212; that is, what a person wants to get from food and how nutrition affects a person.

First, let's consider physiological factors.

The group of carnivores, like the group of herbivores, within the group are distinguished by a similar structure of external and...

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The intestine is the part of the digestive system that begins with the duodenum and ends with the anus. The intestine is a structure in which various processes occur that carry out the digestion and absorption of nutrients. At the same time, the mucous membrane produces a number of biologically active compounds necessary for the physiological breakdown of products. This article will tell you everything about the structure, physiology, function, pathology and diagnosis of the human intestine.

3D intestinal model

Anatomy

How many meters is the intestine of an adult human? Structurally and anatomically, the intestine can be divided into a small and thick section. The total length of the intestine in an adult is from 3.2 to 4.7 m. The length of the small intestine can range from 1.7 to 4.2 m. In women, the length of the small intestine is shorter than in men. In the initial part, the length of the small intestine is 50 mm, in the transition section the diameter reaches 30...

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There is a medical term - dolichosigma, which means elongation of the large intestine. What it is and how it is treated - you can learn about this and much more by reading this material.

What is dolichosigma?

Our intestines, as you know, consist of sections.

The lower section is the large intestine.

Its longest part is the colon, which, like a rim, surrounds the small intestine. Thus, the small intestine is located in the center of the abdominal cavity, while the colon wraps around its edges.

In turn, the colon also has several sections, one of which is the descending colon, which passes into the sigmoid colon - the final section of the large intestine (ending in the rectum). Dolichosigma is an elongation of the sigmoid colon.

In many cases, bowel elongation does not cause any symptoms throughout life. In this case, we are talking about one of the variants of the norm, an individual characteristic...

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Dolichosigma is a congenital pathological condition of the intestine, when the sigmoid colon (the area that passes into the rectum) is longer than the physiological norm. Due to its size, the sigmoid colon can be twisted, lie in layers or have a diameter that is too large, so intestinal dolichosigma sometimes manifests itself as disturbances in the processes of absorption and excretion in the body. Medical specialists diagnose it as a disease only if such intestinal deformation causes discomfort, leads to pathologies and needs to be treated urgently.

What causes the disease? Forms of dolichosigma Main signs Possible complications Diagnostic methods Features of treatment

Causes

Dolichosigma is considered not only a pathology, but also a variation in the structural features of the intestine, depending on the specific clinical case. The reasons for this change may be:

1. Congenital, when the sigmoid...

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The intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract that runs from the stomach to the anus. Despite the insignificant volume that the intestines have in their natural position, they are very long. This organ is involved in digestion and elimination of toxins, and is also an integral part of the immune system. In addition, hormones are synthesized here.

Bowel length

The intestine is divided into 2 parts: thin and thick.

The intestine is divided into 2 parts:

Thin (with a varying diameter from 2.5 cm to 6 cm); thick (with a diameter of 6 - 10 cm).

The length of these parts also varies: in the large intestine it is approximately 2 m.

The length of the thin one is about 4 m, but these indicators are typical for living people. After death, the length of the small intestine increases significantly - up to 8 m.

This is possible due to the complete relaxation of his muscles. It has been noted that the length of the small intestine differs between women and men: among the stronger sex it is longer. The intestines increase in length with growth...

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When the sigmoid colon and its mesentery are lengthened, intestinal dolichosigma is diagnosed. What is it? At the same time, people complain of impaired intestinal motility with difficulty defecating. Such anomalies are often accompanied by attacks of flatulence, frequent pain with prolonged constipation. It is not uncommon for people to experience bloating. Dolichosigma can be diagnosed using X-ray or endoscopic examination. Treatment of this disease is based on the use of physiotherapeutic procedures, special massages and maintaining a special diet.

Description of the pathology

Dolichosigma intestinalis is associated with pathological elongation of the rectum. At the same time, its mesenteric part also lengthens. Dolichosigma in both adults and children is congenital, so it is extremely difficult to cure.

Abnormal lengthening of the sigmoid colon has a certain course: Sometimes it appears from birth. Often it does not manifest itself for a long part of life....

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The intestine is one of the vital human organs, since it supplies the body with necessary valuable substances, eliminates harmful substances and compounds, and supports immune defense.

Length, structure and function of the intestine

The intestine is the largest organ located in the abdominal cavity. It is included in the excretory and digestive systems of the body.

It contains the following departments:

Duodenum; ileum and jejunum; cecum; transverse ascending and colon descending colon; rectum and sigmoid colon; anus.

The organ begins after the stomach and connects to it. Belonging to the digestive system, the intestines interact with its organs. Bile constantly flows into it from the gallbladder. The intestines themselves provide hydrochloric acid to the stomach for the primary process of decomposition of incoming food.

It grows simultaneously with a person: its thickness, length, diameter, shape changes....

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Dolichosigma intestinalis is often called a congenital abnormal elongation of the sigmoid colon (part of the large intestine). As a result of its increased size, it is twisted one or more times and may have a larger diameter (megadolichosigma). This leads to the appearance of the main symptom of this condition - a violation of bowel movements, which is replaced by persistent constipation.

The normal length of one sigmoid loop in an adult is from 24 to 46 cm. If this value is less than 24 cm, a developmental anomaly called “brachysigma” is noted. If the intestinal length is more than 46 cm, dolichosigma is noted. However, the opinions of scientists differ on whether this condition should be classified as a pathology or not. Some consider this a pathology that requires immediate treatment. According to others, this is only a difference in the structure of the intestines, and therefore treatment may be needed only after the appearance of tangible symptoms that prevent the patient from living a normal life.

It should be noted that it is possible...

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– an abnormal increase in the length of the sigmoid colon and its mesentery, leading to impaired motility and bowel movement. Dolichosigma is manifested by chronic constipation, flatulence, and recurrent abdominal pain. In the diagnosis of dolichosigma, the main role is played by irrigography and radiography of the passage of barium through the large intestine; auxiliary - rectosigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, etc. For dolichosigma, diet, massage, exercise therapy, and physiotherapy are prescribed; for prolonged constipation - laxatives and enemas. In case of chronic intestinal obstruction, dolichosigmoid resection is performed.

Due to a long absence of bowel movements, a child with dolichosigma may form fecal stones, develop fecal autointoxication, anemia, and irritable bowel syndrome. One of the serious complications of dolichosigma is intestinal obstruction due to nodulation, volvulus, kinks, and intussusception of the sigmoid colon. In these cases, a picture of an acute abdomen develops.

Diagnosis of dolichosigma

Examination of a child suffering from dolichosigma reveals underweight, retarded physical development, and pale skin. Palpation of the abdominal cavity reveals intestinal loops filled with feces. A digital rectal examination reveals an empty rectum, even if the child has not had stool for a long time.

The decisive instrumental method in the diagnosis of dolichosigma is irrigography, during which the elongation of the sigmoid colon is revealed, the presence of additional loops in the form of a “figure eight”, “double-barrel”, “knot”, “snail”, etc. MSCT of the colon allows you to study its location in detail , shape, contours, length, lumen width, haustration, presence of additional loops.

To assess the motor-evacuation function of the colon in a patient with dolichosigma, barium passage radiography, electromyography, and sphincterometry are performed. Endoscopy in children (rectosigmoscopy, colonoscopy), ultrasonography of the large intestine, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, radiography of the abdominal cavity are of auxiliary importance in the diagnosis of dolichosigma. Among laboratory methods, a coprogram is used; stool analysis for dysbiosis, occult blood, helminth eggs; clinical and biochemical blood tests.

Dolichosigma in children should be differentiated from ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, enterobiasis, chronic appendicitis, Hirschsprung's disease. For this purpose, the child should be consulted by a pediatric gastroenterologist, pediatric coloproctologist, and pediatric surgeon.

Treatment of dolichosigma

At any stage of dolichosigma, treatment begins with complex conservative therapy. The leading role in therapeutic measures is given to the normalization of the digestive tract through diet - fractional meals, consumption of foods rich in fiber (vegetables, whole grain bread, bran, fruits, berries, herbs), fermented milk products, vegetable oils, etc. In some cases, laxatives are prescribed and microenemas, however, with dolichosigma it is extremely important to form a reflex to spontaneous defecation.

For spastic pain, antispasmodics (drotaverine, platyphylline) are prescribed; for intestinal hypotension - prozerin, massage of the anterior abdominal wall, exercise therapy, electrical stimulation of the colon, colon hydrotherapy, acupuncture. Patients with dolichosigma benefit from courses of vitamin therapy (B6, B12, C, E), bacterial preparations (probiotics and prebiotics), and treatment in sanatoriums in Zheleznovodsk and Truskavets.

Indications for surgical treatment of dolichosigma in children are extremely rare. Surgical treatment is indicated for intestinal obstruction, failure of conservative therapy, persistent constipation, progressive fecal intoxication, the presence of unstraightened loops and kinks of the intestine. With dolichosigma, resection of the sigmoid colon is performed. In the case of predominant damage to the distal sigmoid colon, the operation of choice is proctosigmoidectomy.

Forecast

Usually, if all medical recommendations are followed, it is possible to achieve regular independent bowel movements and an acceptable quality of life. As the child grows, many disorders can be compensated; in some cases, the problem of dolichosigma worries patients even in adulthood. In the latter case, lifelong adherence to the diet and quality of nutrition is necessary, to exclude the development of nutritional, psychogenic and other types of constipation. Children with dolichosigmoid need observation by a pediatrician, pediatric gastroenterologist, periodic courses of conservative therapy, and examination of the condition of the large intestine.

Dolichosigma is an abnormally long sigmoid colon and its mesentery. The diameter of its lumen and wall thickness remain unchanged. An increase in the length of the intestine leads to greater mobility, and, consequently, to disruption of the passage of chyme and the formation of feces.
The frequency of pathology in the population reaches 25%, but the erased clinical picture suggests that this percentage is much higher. For example, among children suffering from chronic constipation, the percentage of dolichosigma reaches 40.
A normal sigmoid colon should be between 24 and 46 cm; if its length exceeds 46 cm, it is called dolichosigmoid.

Causes of the disease

Dolichosigma can be either congenital or acquired; in any case, sigma has from 2 to 3 additional loops.
What causes the lengthening of the sigmoid is not clear, but there is an assumption that a hereditary disorder of normal growth, abnormal fixation of this part of the intestine, are associated with a genetic predisposition. At the same time, a large role in its development in a child is given to chemical and physical factors affecting the fetus during intrauterine development, environmental influences, the level of health of the mother, and her taking certain medications during pregnancy.

Another cause is acquired dolichosigma. The main factors in its development are impaired digestion, which is accompanied by fermentation processes and prolonged rotting. The risk group consists of people over 45-50 years of age who consume a lot of carbohydrate and meat foods, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and have bad habits. However, almost all experts argue that dolichosigma is always a congenital anomaly, and the listed reasons only cause clinical manifestations to manifest.

There is still debate among scientists whether this intestinal condition is normal or an anomaly, because among healthy children, dolichosigma occurs in 15%, without having any clinical manifestations.
In contrast, we can say that intestinal elongation leads to functional and organic disorders of the distal parts of the intestine, which speaks in favor of an anomaly.

The study of the elongated sigma at the histological level makes it possible to see characteristic changes: the mesentery has sclerotic changes, the muscle fibers of the wall of the sigma are thickened (hypertrophied), the intramural nerve ganglia are affected, myofibrosis is observed, the mucous membrane bears signs of degenerative processes. All these symptoms indicate a chronic inflammatory process and stasis of intestinal contents.

Classification of disease stages

The clinical picture of the disease is quite variable, the course of the disease consists of successive forms.

Dolichosigma at the stage of a compensated state. A person experiences periodic stool retention (constipation), lasting up to 3 days, and is bothered by abdominal pain. Evacuation is achieved by following a diet or taking medicinal laxatives. Her health and general condition remain normal.
Subcompensated state. Constipation, flatulence, and abdominal pain become constant symptoms. Laxatives help little or are completely ineffective, so the patient supplements symptomatic treatment with a cleansing enema.
Decompensation. Constipation for more than 7 days. The most severe course of the disease, with constant abdominal pain. Accumulated feces and gases stretch the sigmoid colon and cause significant intoxication of the body (no appetite, pustules on the skin, nausea). Often a clinical picture of intestinal obstruction develops; only siphon enemas help the patient.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of dolichosigma is entirely determined by the degree of fecal intoxication and morphological and functional changes in the large intestine. When the disease manifests, it depends entirely on the length of the sigma, the compensatory capabilities of the body, the degree of violation of the tone of its walls and motility.

The main symptom of this pathology is persistent constipation. If the disease is congenital, then this symptom appears already from 6-12 months, which can be associated with the introduction of complementary foods, changes in the nature of food, an increase in stool weight and consistency.
The second critical age for the onset of the disease is 3-6 years, when the first signs appear in children (approximately 40%).
According to the stages of the disease, at first constipation is episodic in nature, there is no stool for 2-3 days, then the duration and frequency of constipation increases.
Long-term constipation contributes to the accumulation of feces in the intestinal lumen, which stretches the walls, morphological changes worsen, and the reflex to bowel movement decreases. Encopresis occurs in a small percentage of people with constipation.

Persons suffering from dolichosigma have feces that are large in diameter, foul-smelling, and sometimes resemble a fir cone in shape. Hard stool often damages the intestinal mucosa as it passes, so there may be blood in the stool.

Other signs of dolichosigma: frequent or constant pain in the left iliac region, around the navel, flatulence. Symptoms worsen after exercise, after eating, and subside after bowel movements.
The pain syndrome in this pathology is associated with several factors: reflex spasm of the muscular wall of the intestine, changes in the scarring nature of the sigmoid mesentery, chronic inflammatory processes in its walls.
As a rule, dolichosigma is accompanied by pathology of other organs of the digestive system: gastroduodenitis, reactive pancreatitis, colitis, biliary dyskinesia, diverticulitis, dysbacteriosis; in adults, hemorrhoids and varicose veins are the most common.

Bowel movements in patients diagnosed with dolichosigma are rare, which can lead to the formation of fecal stones, the development of severe fecal intoxication of the body, vitamin deficiency, anemia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Diagnosis of the disease

The main step in a quality diagnosis is a detailed survey, collection of complaints, life history and illness. The final diagnosis is made after X-ray confirmation.
Different options for the location of the loops of the elongated intestine sometimes determine the predominance of specific complaints. So, in children with a figure-eight sigmoid colon, the leading symptom is abdominal pain.
X-ray manifestations also depend on the stage of the process. Therefore, dynamic observation with X-ray control is important to assess the degree of intestinal dilatation.

The duration of constipation determines the degree of increase in the diameter of the lumen of the sigmoid.
In making the correct diagnosis, the appearance and examination of the patient play a decisive role:

weight deficiency;
retardation in physical development;
pale skin, thin hair, as symptoms of anemia.

Palpation examination will reveal dense intestinal loops filled with feces. A digital rectal examination will show an empty rectum, even if the patient has not had a bowel movement for a long time.

The final point in making a diagnosis is made by the X-ray method of examination - irrigography. It will show the course of intestinal loops, the presence of abnormal additional loops in the form of a node, snail, figure eight, and so on. Magnetic resonance imaging provides more accurate information about the position, shape, width of the lumen, contour, haustration, and length of the intestine.

The motor-evacuation function of sigma can be assessed in several ways:

barium passage during radiography;
sphincterometry;
radiography.

Some types of research may have auxiliary meanings:

Endoscopic (sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopic method).
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
Ultrasonography of the entire colon.
Survey radiography of the abdominal organs.

Laboratory methods are also justified: stool analysis for dysbacteriosis, Gregersen test (for occult blood), for worm eggs, coprogram, general clinical blood and urine tests.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with the following diseases: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Hirschsprung's disease, chronic appendicitis, enterobiasis. Therefore, it is important to show the patient for consultation to a surgeon, proctologist, or gastroenterologist.

Therapy for the patient

As is known, the leading role in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is given to dietary nutrition. Dolichosigma is no exception, however, it is impossible to cure the disease with diet alone.
It is advisable that the diet be enriched with fresh fruits and vegetables, salads; dried fruits, juices, compotes, cereals (buckwheat, coarse oatmeal), and lentils are welcome. Fermented milk products (kefir, low-fat sour cream, starter cultures), honey are welcome, and it is preferable to give meat and fish boiled.

Of particular importance are the following ingredients in the patient’s diet: freshly squeezed white cabbage juice, which should be drunk daily for 2 weeks, plenty of clean water, extra virgin olive oil to replace any animal fats.

It is undesirable to consume flour dishes, all baked goods, including bread, potatoes, cereals, except those listed above, pickles and marinades, smoked and fried foods, industrial juices, carbonated waters, fruits that increase gas formation.

Surgical method of treatment

It is necessary to treat with surgery in exceptional cases, if the patient has progressive constipation, the sigma is sharply expanded in its distal parts, and the reaction to mechanical irritation is reduced. The indication for radical treatment of dolichosigma with the help of surgery is the formed non-straightening loops and bends, which creates a picture of intestinal obstruction.

The operation is carried out to eliminate redundant loops with a defective innervation mechanism through lower-median laparotomy. Laparoscopic interventions are also carried out, however, they are not justified due to their high cost and the very large time required to remove the intestine. This is especially observed in complicated forms of the disease, the presence of pelvic adhesive disease.
The method of anesthesia is determined by the anesthesiologist. This can include endotracheal anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or intravenous anesthesia.
On average, the operation lasts no more than 1.5 hours, during which the altered and elongated part of the sigmoid is removed.
The prognosis for the patient is favorable provided that the operation and postoperative period are properly managed. The patient leaves the hospital after regaining independent stool.

How is the postoperative period carried out?

Until the patient’s well-being and general condition normalize, the patient remains in the intensive care unit; this usually takes several hours or a day.
Bed rest is observed for the first day; after 3-4 days you are allowed to get up. After removal of the drains (4-5 days), the patient can take a few steps and begin to walk a little.
After surgical treatment, the patient requires medical correction of the condition with the help of hemostatic agents, antiulcer drugs, antibacterial drugs and infusion therapy.
Healing of a postoperative wound usually lasts up to 10 days, during which dressings are performed every day. After this time, the doctor removes the stitches.
Working capacity is restored within 4-5-6 weeks, which directly depends on the severity of the operation and the presence or absence of complications.
Strict adherence to the diet and a ban on lifting heavy objects lasts 3-4 months.

If a patient is indicated for radical surgical treatment of dolichosigma, then he should listen to the doctor’s opinion, otherwise the disease may become more complicated: diverticulosis, intestinal perforation, diverticulitis, acute intestinal obstruction, peritonitis. In a large proportion of patients, if the rules for preventing complications are not followed, fecal stones form, causing intestinal obstruction. Symptoms of fecal intoxication are also common, which leads to anemia and the development of pustular skin diseases.

The intestine is a long organ that is a conductor for nutrients entering the blood. It starts from Food and goes a long way, starting from the esophagus and along the entire length of the intestines. Adults and children may have problems, but not everyone knows about them. Many people do not know how long the intestines are in an adult. This article can help you figure it out.

Bowel functions

Structure

The intestinal section begins with the duodenum. It is shaped like an arc. Its length is approximately 20 centimeters. It is she who controls the functioning of the stomach, that is, regulates its motor function, and is also responsible for the amount of acid secreted. It also breaks down proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

After the small intestine comes the large intestine. Everything that could not be digested gets into it. Its main function will be the formation of feces and its removal, as well as the absorption of water. The digestion process continues in the large intestine. Various bacteria help her in this matter. The more there are, the easier it is to do this. But when there are few of them, for example due to the use of antibiotics, then it becomes difficult for the intestines.

The large intestine ends in the rectum. This is where feces accumulate, which is then expelled from the body when you go to the toilet.

Along the entire length of the adult intestine there are important bacteria that help a person maintain the immune system. Therefore, it is especially important to monitor it.

Colon diseases

Today, there are many diseases that can harm this part of the intestine. Here are the main ones:

Colitis is an inflammation of the intestine that can progress in acute, chronic and ulcerative forms. It can occur after poor nutrition, surgery, or infection. It is considered a very dangerous disease, since in severe forms it can lead to peritonitis or even death.
Suction problem. It is in the colon that fluids are absorbed, but sometimes due to inflammation this function is disrupted. Because of this, the body may suffer from dehydration.
Constipation is a disorder caused by the absence of stool for a long time. According to the rules, a person must go to the toilet once a day; if he does not do this, then constipation has occurred. This problem comes from poor diet or certain diseases.
Diarrhea is a frequent urge to go to the toilet, in which stool comes out in a liquid state. This disorder can be caused by infection, disease, poor diet, or stress. With diarrhea, a person may experience pain in the anus and abdomen.

Diseases of the small intestine

The small intestine is considered very important for a person, but diseases can periodically arise that can change normal life. Some of them:

Enteritis. This disease is caused by Escherichia coli or Salmonella. Long-term use of antibiotics may also be a cause.
Celiac disease. This disease occurs when there is a deficiency of the enzyme that can break down gluten. It leaves behind residues that have a negative effect on the small intestine. Because of this, the walls of the latter become thinner, and it begins to do its job poorly.
Whipple's disease. The cause is inflammation, which is caused by certain bacteria, after which they block the ability to absorb nutrients.
Dysbacteriosis. It is formed when there is a significant decrease in beneficial bacteria in the small intestine. This can occur due to long-term use of antibiotics or antimicrobial agents, as well as infections or food poisoning.

How long is the intestine in an adult?

The question is ambiguous. The length of the small intestine is approximately four meters. This figure may be a little more or less, it depends on the size of the person, as well as his gender. In a dead person, the length of the small intestine will be much greater, approximately eight meters. This is due to the fact that he lacks muscle tone.

The length of the large intestine in an adult will be much shorter than the small intestine. It will be approximately two meters, but there may be slight changes in the indicators.

Gas formation, or bloating, occurs from swallowed air, which passes along the entire length of the intestines of an adult and a child. In order to avoid this, you need to chew your food thoroughly.

When food enters the body, all digestive organs begin to contract so that food passes more easily.

About 7 liters of fluid enters the colon. It is obtained from water, mucus, bile and enzymes. But only 7 tablespoons come out of the human body.