The large intestine is so named because its diameter is greater than that of the small intestine. This portion of the alimentary canal is about 1.5 meters long, and it begins in the lower right side of the abdominal cavity, where the ileum joins the cecum. From there, the large intestine extends upward on the right side, crosses obliquely to the left, and descends into the pelvis. At its distal end, it opens to the outside of the body as the anus.
The large intestine reabsorbs water and electrolytes from chyme remaining in the alimentary canal. It also forms and stores feces.
