Where it is
Frames the abdomen: cecum and ascending colon on the right, transverse colon across the top, descending and sigmoid colon on the left, then the rectum and anal canal.
What it does
Absorbs water and electrolytes, stores stool and hosts gut bacteria that produce vitamin K.
Clinical relevance
- Stool consistency of an ostomy depends on its location: ascending colostomy liquid, sigmoid colostomy formed.
- Colorectal cancer screening usually starts at age 45 for average-risk adults.
Nursing focus
- Position the client on the left side (Sims' position) for an enema, following the anatomy of the sigmoid colon.
- A healthy stoma is moist and pink to red; report a pale, dusky or black stoma.