Understanding Your Intestine: Small & Large Intestine Anatomy

You have one intestine, but it has several different sections:

- The small intestine is the longest section of the intestine and is responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. It is divided into three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

- The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from waste matter and storing waste before it is eliminated from the body. It is divided into four sections: the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.