Which of the following is a division of the large intestine?

• A. Duodenum, jejunum, ileum
• B. Stomach, esophagus
• C. Cecum, colon, rectum, anal canal, anus
• D. Liver, gallbladder

Answer: (C)

Divisions of the large intestine include the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal (ending at the anus). The large intestine begins at the ileocecal valve, with the cecum as the first pouch, then the colon (ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid), followed by the rectum and finally the anal canal leading to the anus. Its primary role is absorbing water and electrolytes and forming feces for elimination. Other listed structures belong to different parts of the digestive system: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum are the small intestine; the stomach and esophagus are upperGI structures; and the liver and gallbladder are accessory organs involved with bile. The grouping that includes cecum, colon, rectum, anal canal, and anus correctly represents the divisions of the large intestine.