What does "Descending colon" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
The descending colon is a part of the digestive system, specifically a section of the large intestine. It is located on the left side of the abdomen and its main job is to store the remains of digested food that will be emptied into the rectum. It also absorbs water and electrolytes from this waste material. It's called the "descending" colon because it travels down the body from the top of the abdomen to the lower part.
BaluMed makes medicine understandable! Our extensive medical report explanation 'translates' complex medical terms from MRI findings and discharge summaries into easily understandable language. With a combination of artificial intelligence and medical expertise, we offer quickly available and reliable information.