The bowel is part of our digestive system. It is divided into two parts, the small bowel and the large bowel. The large bowel is made up of the colon and rectum.
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ABOUT CANCER > SCREENING > BOWEL SCREENING > THE BOWELThe bowel
Diagram to show the position of the small and large bowel
Once food has been swallowed it passes down the gullet (oesophagus) into the stomach, where digestion begins. From here it enters the small bowel where essential nutrients are taken into the body. Any undigested food passes into the large bowel, and water is removed in the colon. The remaining waste matter, known as stools or faeces, is held in the rectum (back passage) until it is ready to be passed from the body through the anus as a bowel motion (stool).
Content last reviewed: 01 April 2008
Page last modified: 14 January 2009
Page last modified: 14 January 2009