What are the major divisions of the large intestine?

• A. Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum
• B. Cecum, Colon, Rectum, and Anus
• C. Stomach, Esophagus, Duodenum
• D. Appendix, Sigmoid, Rectum

Answer: (B)

The major divisions of the large intestine are the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal (anus). The cecum is the start of the large intestine, receiving material from the ileum. The colon is the long section that includes the ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid parts, where most water absorption and feces formation occur. The rectum is the final straight segment, leading to the anal canal and the anus, where elimination occurs. The appendix is a small projection from the cecum and is not considered a major division of the large intestine, though it is associated with it.

Other options mix parts of the small intestine or omit a major division, so they don’t accurately represent the large intestine’s primary sections.