Can you feel large intestine from the outside?

The human body is a complex and fascinating machine, consisting of many organs, tissues, and systems that work together to keep us alive. While some organs are easy to locate, others can be more challenging.

One such organ is the large intestine. Many people wonder whether they can feel their large intestine from the outside or not. In this article, we will explore this question in detail.

What is the Large Intestine?

Before we dive into whether you can feel your large intestine from the outside or not, let’s take a closer look at what it actually is.

The large intestine, also known as the colon, is part of our digestive system. It begins at the end of our small intestine and ends at our rectum and anus. The main function of our large intestine is to absorb water and salts from digested food before it leaves our body as waste.

Our large intestine has four sections:

• Ascending Colon.
• Transverse Colon.
• Descending Colon.
• Sigmoid Colon.

Although most people know where their stomach or heart are located in their bodies but very few could pinpoint exactly where each portion of their intestines was situated – so do not worry if you cannot imagine them either.

Can You Feel Your Large Intestine From The Outside?

This brings us back to our original question – can you feel your large intestine from outside? Well,…the answer might surprise you!

While its fourth section ‘sigmoid’ runs quite close too near abdominal wall than any other parts with different structures guarding them making it possible for one individual”’s location have slight varying distances than another.’ But…still! The ultimate answer would be no.

That means sorry folks, the truth is that you can’t feel your large intestine from the outside. There’s nothing palpable or tangible about this slippery organ.

Why Can’t You Feel it?

There are two main reasons why you can’t feel your large intestine from the outside:

1. Absence of Touch Receptors –

The human skin has various touch receptors called Meissner Corpuscles which allows us to detect sensations like pain, pressure, and temperature but unfortunately we don’t have these kind of receptors inside our digestive system walls!

Therefore there is no means to transmit sensory inputs even though one may put increased emphasises on various types of abdominal contractions. The colon does not offer substantial anatomical structures detected by nerve endings in our fingers when probing through layers of tissues such as muscles and fascia that envelopes organs like intestines.

Ok! now that we know where it lies deeply rooted beneath other organs let ‘s dig into its exact locations within human anatomy (with some interesting facts).

Our large intestine begins at a valve-like structure known as ileocecal valve in lower right abdomen close to appendix then moves upwards dividing into ascending transverse sections situated along upper portion abdominal wall (between liver & stomach). It twists marginally just below spleen before sloping downward aligning itself towards left side forming sharp curve near level pelvic bones (we will be discussing more about curved regions later in article); this descending section ends at rectum – longest straight part between them all.

Did you know?
– The length of colon varies greatly among people depending on their height and diet. An average-sized adult’s bowel movements stretch up to five feet long!
– The colon has an impressive blood supply system fed by supreme mesenteric artery (SMA) with multiple branches running into caecum & ascending portions. Additionally, numerous marginal arteries visible during surgeries that resembles tiny hair-like vessels called “vasa recta” – they form longitudinal straight and arched loops around sections like transverse or sigmoidal.
– Large intestine is home for progressive bacteria which carry out fermentation process of undigestible residues, as well synthesising few vitamins such Vitamin K and aiding in deflating poo.

Possible Ways People mistake large Intestine being felt

It’s worth noting a good facts on people who feel ‘something’ that they mistake it for their intestine…which often happens!

1. A Lump/Mass Feeling

Sometimes the sensation could arise because of an abdominal mass hiding right behind the intestinal wall creating abnormal bulges when one places fingers over skin surface. However,this hardly occur due to ample spaces created wrapping organs allowing them breath while moving freely without pressing uncomfortably against surrounding tissues.

2. Rectus Abdominis Muscle contractions

Another common occurrence is; when people tense-up their internal muscles(i.e Rectus abdominis muscle), more importantly doing sit-ups exercise, this muscle pushes itself up above intestines inducing some bumpy effect which could momentarily feels like you are pressing against your colon.Always be gentle with abdominal exercises!

Now, let us discover what signs may show whether all things are going great/ not so great down there:

1. Constipation –

Constipation occurs when stool becomes difficult or impossible to pass causing distressing symptoms such as bloating,painful bowel movements among others.This mainly triggers on descending part where waste material takes its final shape before exiting body completely hence making segment narrow.However it doesn’t stop there, the root causes could originate from an array of factors such as poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles or prescribed medications.

2. Diarrhea –

Diarrhea is characterised by loose and watery stool resulting because our gut absorbs so little water hence waste matter rapidly pass through colon.There are various kinds ranging from acute/transient to chronic in their nature.Some reasons you might have diarrhea include – stress, GI infection/viral illnesses inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among others

3.Lower Abdominal Pain –

Abdominal pain can occur due to many disorders affecting colon but not limited to:
– Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD) ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s
– Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)
– Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis whereby small pockets protrudes outwards on walls.

It is essential therefore vital for seeking medical attention immediately when such serious conditions present themselves.

What Maladies That Affect Large Intestine?

The large intestine isn’t immune from developing diseases that affect its function.Therefore prevailing situations below may lead towards harmful/tarnished health;

1. Colon Cancer

As you probably know,it is seen when abnormal tumorous growth manifest within large intestine which usually begins in either ascending/sigmoid sections.On early detection,treatment(via surgery,radiation etc) could be quite effective otherwise undesirable aftermaths follows…so regular check-ups!

2.Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBDs bring about inflammation to inside wall linings comprising both Crohn’s ailment and Ulcerative Colitis.The former targets areas while attacking this organ while the latter typically assaults rectum along with sigmoidal portion before spreading upwards towards transverse part.Anti-inflammatory drugs,lifestyle modifications & changes in diet help managing symptoms although they don’t offers cures.

Once again, the intestine is tucked away deep inside you – so don’t expect to feel it. While some sensations might arise from underlying masses or muscle activity nearby, people can’t essentially locate their intestines just by pressing against the surface of the skin.

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That’s all folks hope you have enjoyed this fun-filled fact-packed read!