Colon Health Dictionary

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Colon: From 3 Different Sources

The major part of the large intestine. The colon is a segmented tube, about 1.3 m long and 6.5 cm wide, that forms a large loop in the abdomen. It consists of 4 sections: the ascending, transverse, and descending colons, and the S-shaped sigmoid colon, which connects with the rectum. The main functions of the colon are to absorb water and mineral salts from the digested material passed on from the small intestine and to concentrate the waste material for expulsion as faeces. The colon consists of 4 layers: a tough outer membrane; a layer of muscles that contract and relax to move the contents along (see peristalsis); a submucous coat containing blood vessels that absorb water and salts; and finally an innermost layer that produces mucus to lubricate the passage of material. (See also digestive system; intestine, disorders of.)

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

The ?rst part of the large INTESTINE.

Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

n. the main part of the large intestine, which consists of four sections – the ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colons (see illustration). The colon has no digestive function but it absorbs large amounts of water and electrolytes from the undigested food passed on from the small intestine. At intervals strong peristaltic movements move the dehydrated contents (faeces) towards the rectum. —colonic adj.

Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Colonic Irrigation

Washing out the large bowel with an ENEMA of water or other medication.... colonic irrigation

Colonoscopy

Examination of the inside of the colon by means of a flexible, fibre-optic viewing instrument called a colonoscope, which is introduced through the anus and guided along the colon.

Colonoscopy is used to investigate symptoms such as bleeding from the anus and to look for disorders such as colitis, polyps, and cancer.

Instruments may be passed through the colonoscope to take biopsy specimens or to remove polyps.... colonoscopy

Sigmoid Colon

The S-shaped part of the colon, in the lower abdomen, extending from the brim of the pelvis, usually down to the 3rd segment of the sacrum. It is connected to the descending colon above, and the rectum below.... sigmoid colon

Colonalgia

Pain in the colon... colonalgia

Colonisation

The development of cells in a part to which they have been carried by metastasis. Can also be used to describe bacteria establishing and multiplying on a particular part of the body.... colonisation

Colonitis

Inflammation of the colon... colonitis

Colonorrhagia

Hemorrhage from the colon... colonorrhagia

Colonoscope

An ENDOSCOPE for viewing the interior of the COLON. It is made of ?breglass which ensures ?exibility, and incorporates a system of lenses for magni?cation and a lighting system.... colonoscope

Colonoscopy, Virtual

A procedure that links COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY of the COLON (see also INTESTINE) with techniques that produce three-dimensional views of the mucosa of the large bowel similar to those obtained during traditional colonoscopy. Early experience suggests that the new technique produces better results than barium enemas (see ENEMA) and is almost as e?ective as conventional colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy o?ers faster results, and image analysis will probably soon be automated. The procedure is easy, non-invasive, safe and complete; once the need for bowel cleansing is eliminated (as seems likely) it will provide a prominent tool in screening for cancer of the colon and RECTUM.... colonoscopy, virtual

Echinochloa Colonum

(Linn.) Link.

Synonym: Panicum colonum Linn.

Family: Gramineae; Poaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

English: Shama millet.

Ayurvedic: Varaka.

Siddha/Tamil: Karumpul, Varsanam- pillu.

Folk: Jangali sawuk, Shamaa, Saanvaa.

Action: Diuretic.

The protein content of the dehusked millet is higher when compared to rice. Except for lysine all other essential amino acids are present in fair quantity. The grains are a rich source of zinc and iron.... echinochloa colonum

Hydrotherapy, Colon

Irrigation of the low bowel.

When elimination of body wastes is held up by a chronically-overloaded bowel general health may suffer. A constipated colon, with accumulations of hard faeces, obstructs peristalsis and loses its ability to evacuate effectively. Toxaemia follows, with gross interference of digestion of food.

As contents putrefy, toxins are re-absorbed, poisoning the blood. Such self-induced disease may lie at the root of sluggish liver function, skin disease, blood pressure, and aches in muscles similating rheumatism.

To clean out a clogged colon, injection of a herbal tea into the rectum not only proves effective but brings about a healthful purgation and release from tension. 2-3oz herb is brought to the boil in 1 gallon water, simmered for one minute, and allowed to cool. The tea is strained when warm and injected.

Enema herbs include: Soapwort, Chamomile, Marshmallow, Catmint, Raspberry leaves, Chickweed. Alternative: 20-30 drops Tincture Myrrh added to boiled water allowed to cool. ... hydrotherapy, colon

Colon, Cancer Of

A malignant tumour of the colon. First symptoms of the disease include an inexplicable change in bowel movements (either constipation or diarrhoea), blood mixed in with the faeces, and pain in the lower abdomen. Sometimes, there are no symptoms until the tumour has grown big enough to cause an obstruction in the intestine (see intestine, obstruction of) or perforate it (see perforation).

A genetic basis has been found for some types of colon cancer.

However, in most cases, the precise cause is unknown.

Contributory factors include diet: eating a lot of meat and fatty foods and not enough fibre may increase the risk.

The disease often occurs in association with other diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis.

The chances of cure depend critically on early diagnosis.

Screening for this cancer includes an occult blood test; if the test is positive, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy may be carried out.

In most cases of colon cancer, a partial colectomy is performed.... colon, cancer of

Colon, Disorders Of

See intestine, disorders of.... colon, disorders of

Colon, Irritable

See irritable bowel syndrome.... colon, irritable

Colon, Spastic

See irritable bowel syndrome.... colon, spastic

Colonography

n. see colography.... colonography

Colony

n. a discrete population or mass of microorganisms, usually bacteria, all of which are considered to have developed from a single parent cell. Bacterial colonies that grow on agar plates differ in shape, size, colour, elevation, translucency, and surface texture, depending on the species. This is used as a means of identification. See also culture.... colony

Colony-stimulating Factor

(CSF) one of a group of substances (haemopoietic growth factors or hormones) that are produced in the bone marrow and stimulate the production of specific blood cells. Genetically engineered granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) stimulates neutrophil production and also limits bone marrow toxicity from chemotherapy.... colony-stimulating factor

Wound Colonization

the presence of multiplying bacteria within a wound that do not cause inflammation or clinical symptoms. This may be due to the presence of natural flora or to environmental or endogenous factors. Healing is not delayed.... wound colonization

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