Sigmoid Colon

The end part of the large intestine in our body is referred to as the sigmoid colon, the pelvic colon or the sigmoid flexure. This is an S-shaped loop which is located near the rectum and is usually around 15 to 16 inches in length. Although it is supposed to lie within the pelvis, due to its freedom of movement, there are chances of it being found in the abdominal cavity. The main function is to channel the waste products from the body, after digestion, towards the anus, and it is also the point or the place where the waste materials collects.

Description and Functions

Did you know that the sigmoid colon derives its name due to its S-shaped structure? In Greek, 'S' is usually referred to as 'Sigmoid', hence the name. It is the last part of the colon, which starts at the right side of the stomach, as the cecum, which moves down till the liver, turns left and passes the abdomen. This part of the colon is called the transverse colon, which in turn moves to the spleen and in that part the colon is called the descending colon. When the descending colon reaches the left side of the abdomen and reaches the pelvis, that part is called the sigmoid colon.

Its main purpose is to help in giving the finishing touches to the digestion process. This is the final stage where digestion takes place. The colon absorbs the water and minerals from the digested food and helps not only in the formation but also in the passing out off feces. Due to muscular contractions, the colon moves the digested products or the waste products to the anus. In order to help in smooth passing of the stool and also in order to protect the digestive system from any kind of toxins, it also produces a mucus. But sometimes it might happen that the colon might produce excess mucus. It usually occurs if we take in unhealthy food and this means production of more mucus to protect the digestive system from the harmful toxins. As a result the person might suffer from constipation.

Problems that Can Affect its Functions

Colon Cancer
Continuous and unmanageable growth of cells in the large intestines, often results in colon cancer. There are several causes of this type of cancer and some of the most common causes are listed below.

• Development of colon polyps is one the main cause of colon cancer
• Excess of alcohol and unhealthy diet (food rich in fat and oil)
• People who suffer from diabetes are also prone to colon cancer
• Smoking and obesity are known for causing colon cancer
• Prolonged Crohn's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease can also lead to colon cancer.

There are of course several treatments for colon cancer, and people suffering from Crohn's disease or inflammatory bowel disease can also undergo colonoscopy in order to prevent colon cancer. In order to treat colon cancer or the polyp, sigmoid colon resection might be required. Either a part of the colon can be resected or sometimes even the whole colon has to be resected and all this depends on which stage the cancer is in.

Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis occurs when the intestinal wall, mainly in the large intestine, develops several abnormal pouches. This is quite common and it mainly occurs once a person reaches 40 years of age. The main cause of this inflammation is unknown, but doctors says that aging, intestinal pressure changes, diet containing low fiber, passing of waste through the colon and sometimes physical abnormalities, often triggers diverticulosis sigmoid colon. Some of the symptoms of this problem might be pain, fever, irregular bowel movement, and so on.

Thus, now you know about some of the most common problems that affects this colon. If you follow a healthy diet and also carry out some homemade colon cleanse, then no doubt that these problems can be prevented.