The digestive system (part 2)

Villi

What's this? Villi is plural, in singular term it's villus. This is tiny  finger-like projections protruding out of the small intestinal walls that plays a very important role in nutrient absorption, and on each vilus lies many even more minute microvilli. It's tiny appearance increases the intestinal surface area and a larger surface area means better absorption. The absorbed nutrient will then go into the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body.

The colon
The large intestines. After food is processed along the small intestines, they are now ready to enter the caecum, the first part of the large intestine A.K.A. the colon. Our colon is divide into 7 short parts: caecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon,sigmoid colon, rectum and the anus. It stands at a wider diameter compared to the small intestines but it's only 1.5m in length.
The colon's main function is to reabsorb water, certain type of vitamins ,process undigested materials (fiber) and store waste products prior to elimination.

From the caecum, we can find the appendix, said to serve no function, however since it is there, it probably does have a function, men are imperfect, they don't hold the answer to everything.
When water is absorbed, waste materials harden, producing stool, and stored in the rectum before it gets eliminated.
Since, water is absorbed here, it's important that we hydrate ourselves well to prevent constipation. A constipated gut may cause numerous diseases and in the long run may bring about terminal illness. Drink enough water and have more fiber in your diet. Apart from these two, physical activity is also essential in maintaining bowel's health.

Some intestinal-related problems
Here's just a list of illnesses related to intestinal problems, I won't be elaborating much on these, if I would, most probably it would be in another article. :

• Constipation
• Haemmorhoids
• Nausea & vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Gastritis
• Diverticular disease
• Heartburn
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Crohn's disease
• Dyspepsia
• Ulcers
• Gallstones
• Colitis
• Intestinal obstruction
• hernia
• stomach/colon cancer
• Belching & flatulence
• Celiac disease in children
• Food intolerance
• Pancreas secretion insufficiency
• Appendicitis
• Anal fistula
• polyps
• GERD(gastro-intestinal reflux disorder)
• IBS(irritable bowel syndrome)
• Ischemic colitis
• Abdominal abscess

I think there's much more where all of these come from. What we can do to avoid these stuff is keep our colon and the whole digestive system healthy by not dumping in too much preservatives, additives, fast foods, instant meals, canned foods, processed foods, fatty stuff and of course eat a healthy balanced diet as well as constant physical fitness. Emotions are also linked to intestinal disorders, so manage your emotions well and don't let them dampen your digestion. 

I'm done for now. Thank you for the read and have good day! =)