Hindgut
Hindgut
Hindgut (/ˈhaɪndˌɡʌt/), from the Old English hind meaning "back" or "rear" and gut meaning "intestine", is the final section of the gastrointestinal tract in animals.
Definition
The hindgut is the posterior (back) part of the alimentary canal in some animals. In mammals, it includes the distal third of the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, the rectum, and the anus. The hindgut is responsible for the absorption of water from indigestible food matter, and the elimination of solid waste from the body.
Anatomy
The hindgut begins at the ileocecal valve and ends at the anus. It is divided into two sections: the colon and the rectum. The colon is further divided into the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. The rectum is the final section of the hindgut and is responsible for storing feces before they are expelled from the body through the anus.
Physiology
The hindgut plays a crucial role in the final stages of digestion. It absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter, and helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. The bacteria in the hindgut also aid in the fermentation of unabsorbed material.
Related Terms
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Colon
- Rectum
- Anus
- Ileocecal valve
- Transverse colon
- Descending colon
- Sigmoid colon
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hindgut
- Wikipedia's article - Hindgut
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