Small Intestine VS Large Intestine- Key Differences

Intestine is that part of alimentary canal that extends from stomach to anus. It is divided to two parts i.e small intestine and large intestine. This division of intestine into two parts are due to some major differences between them. There are some similarities as well between both but the differences are more important. Because it is these differences that makes it two different parts of gut.

Some Major Difference between Small And Large Intestine:

Some of the most important differences between the two intestines are listed below:

Parts:

Small intestine has 3 parts i.e duodenum, jejunum and ilium. While large intestine has 4 parts i.e caecum, colon (which is further divided to ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid), rectum and anal canal.

Digestion:

All the digestion is completed in small intestine by the action of different enzymes. While large intestine has no digestive role.

Absorption:

In small intestine all the digestive products are absorbed in villi. While in large intestine, absorption of water, ions, and vitamins takes place.

Small Intestine vs Large Intestine Function (Physiology):

In small intestine various enzymes break down the food. Thus digestion and absorption takes place in small intestine.

While in large intestine, undigested food and fluids are present. Also some absoroption of waters vitamins, minerals takes place in large intestine. Not only this but bacteria in large intestine produces some vitamin B and Vitamin K.

Small Intestine vs Large Intestine Histology:

Circular folds called plicae circularis , villi  and payer’s patches are present in small intestine, while they are absent in large intestine.

But taeniae coli, haustra and epiploic appendages are present in large intestine and  are absent in small intestine.

Small Intestine vs Large Intestine Size:

Small intestine is long ranging from 4.5 to 7 meters which large intestine is quite short (about 1.5 meters). But small intestine is narrow in width i.e 3.5- 4.5 cm, while large intestine is broader i.e 4.6 cm.

Difference Between Small and Large Intestine Obstruction:

Small intestine obstruction may be due to adhesions, external hernia, small bowl volvulus (primary) and neoplasms etc. While large intestine obstruction can by due to carcinoma of colon, sigmoid volvulus, diverticular diseases etc.

Mobility:

The small is mobile with the exception of duodenum, while the ascending and descending parts of colon are fixed.

Caliber:

The caliber of filled small intestine is small then filled large intestine.

Mesentry:

With the exception of duodenum, small intestine has a mesentry that passes downward to the midline across the right illiac fossa.

Longitudinal Muscle:

In small intestine, the longitudinal muscle forms continues circular layers around the gut. While in large intestine (with the exception of appendix) it form three bands called the Teniae coli.

Fatty Tags:

Large intestine has fatty tags attached to its walls which are called Appendices epiploicae. While small intestine has not such fatty tags.

Wall:

The wall of large intestine is sacculated which that of small intestine is smooth.

Bacteria:

The large bowl is rich in bacteria while the small bowl has less than 10,000 organisms pr ml.

Small Intestine:

Almost all the anatomical, physiological and histological features are mentioned above but for a more clear picture you can watch this video about small bowl here:

Large Intestine:

As from the discussion and difference above it is already clear that large intestine have more bacteria, sacculated walls, fatty tags, tenia coli and large caliber etc. But as it is said visuals memories are stronger that’s why you should also watch the video below to have a more clear picture of the anatomy of large bowl.

Final Words:

We have tried to cover almost all the differences between small and large intestine here. If you think we have left any differences, kindly contribute buy using the comment form below.