The small intestine connects to the colon where a valve regulates the movement of food. The ileocecal valve is named for the ileum and the cecum it connects to. The cecum is a pouch-like section of the large intestine that is the first part of the colon, also called the large intestine. In humans, the appendix is attached to the cecum. The image shown reveals the three main sections of the colon of a cat. As the colon moves towards the head, it is called the ascending colon. It then moves laterally across the abdomen where it is called the transverse colon and finally makes the turn to head toward the posterior of the body, the descending colon. The colon is responsible for resabsorption of water and collect undigested waste for elimination. The rectum is the last area of the large intestine where waste is stored prior to being eliminated.
In this photo, the small intestine has been removed except for the small section connected to the cecum.
