Small Intestine vs. Large Intestine — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 15, 2023
The Small Intestine is a long, coiled tube responsible for nutrient absorption, while the Large Intestine absorbs water and forms feces.
Difference Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Small Intestine, a lengthy and narrow organ, is pivotal in the digestive process as it is the primary site for nutrient absorption. On the other hand, the Large Intestine, being shorter and wider, predominantly absorbs water and electrolytes, transforming the leftover digestive matter into feces.
The Small Intestine intricately processes food with the help of enzymes, breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Contrarily, the Large Intestine primarily deals with the bacterial fermentation of undigested food. T
he Small Intestine is divided into three sections: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In contrast, the Large Intestine is made up of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.
With regards to length, the Small Intestine can extend up to 20 feet in adults, while the Large Intestine is about 5 feet long. The epithelial cells of the Small Intestine have tiny finger-like projections called villi to aid absorption. In the Large Intestine, no such structures are present.
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Absorbs nutrients from food.
Absorbs water and forms feces.
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Length
About 20 feet in adults.
About 5 feet in adults.
Structure
Divided into duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Consists of cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.
Surface Adaptations
Contains villi for increased surface area.
Lacks villi, has a smoother internal surface.
Role in Digestion
Processes food with enzymes for nutrient absorption.
Deals with bacterial fermentation of undigested food.
Compare with Definitions
Small Intestine
The Small Intestine plays a central role in the digestive process.
Any malfunction of the Small Intestine can lead to malabsorption issues.
Large Intestine
The Large Intestine is essential for water and electrolyte absorption.
Without the Large Intestine, our bodies would lose too much water after digestion.
Small Intestine
The Small Intestine is a vital organ for nutrient absorption.
Most of the nutrients from the food we eat are absorbed by the Small Intestine.
Large Intestine
The Large Intestine is shorter but wider compared to the Small Intestine.
Though not as long as the Small Intestine, the Large Intestine has a wider diameter.
Small Intestine
Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
The duodenum, the first section of the Small Intestine, receives bile and pancreatic juices.
Large Intestine
The Large Intestine harbors a significant amount of gut bacteria.
Probiotics are beneficial for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the Large Intestine.
Small Intestine
The Small Intestine is characterized by the presence of villi, enhancing its absorptive capacity.
The villi in the Small Intestine ensure efficient nutrient uptake from digested food.
Large Intestine
The Large Intestine transforms undigested food into feces.
The final stages of digestion occur in the Large Intestine before waste is excreted.
Small Intestine
The Small Intestine connects the stomach to the Large Intestine.
Food moves from the stomach into the Small Intestine where digestion continues.
Large Intestine
The Large Intestine ends in the rectum, leading to the anus.
The waste material is stored in the rectum of the Large Intestine before being expelled.
Common Curiosities
What's the primary function of the Small Intestine?
The Small Intestine primarily absorbs nutrients from digested food.
Why does the Small Intestine have villi?
Villi increase the surface area of the Small Intestine, enhancing nutrient absorption.
How does the Small Intestine connect to the Large Intestine?
The Small Intestine's final section, the ileum, connects to the Large Intestine at the cecum.
What are the primary segments of the Large Intestine?
The Large Intestine consists of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.
How do the functions of the Small and Large Intestines differ in digestion?
The Small Intestine focuses on nutrient absorption, while the Large Intestine concentrates on water absorption and feces formation.
Is the Large Intestine longer than the Small Intestine?
No, the Large Intestine is shorter, about 5 feet in adults, but it's wider.
How does the bacterial population differ in the Small and Large Intestines?
The Large Intestine has a more abundant and diverse bacterial population compared to the Small Intestine.
How long is the average Small Intestine in adults?
The Small Intestine can extend up to about 20 feet in adults.
Which intestine is responsible for forming feces?
The Large Intestine is responsible for forming and expelling feces.
What distinguishes the Small Intestine's structure?
The Small Intestine is divided into three sections: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
What's the main role of the Large Intestine?
The Large Intestine absorbs water and electrolytes and forms feces.
Do both intestines have villi?
Only the Small Intestine has villi; the Large Intestine does not.
Can you live without a Large Intestine?
Yes, but modifications in diet and lifestyle might be needed to manage water balance and waste elimination.
What happens if the Small Intestine doesn't function properly?
Malfunction of the Small Intestine can lead to malabsorption issues and nutrient deficiencies.
Why is the Large Intestine important for water balance in the body?
The Large Intestine absorbs excess water from undigested food, preventing dehydration.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
