What are dimensions of the small intestine? What are reasons to explain why the small intestine is so long, compared to the large intestine?

The small intestine is about 7.0 m long and 2.5 cm to 3 cm in diameter.

(From www.emaze.com)

In contrast, the large intestine is about 1.6 m long and about 6 cm in diameter.

Why the difference?

There are two main reasons:

• It takes time for digestion to occur.
• The extra length provides a greater surface area for the absorption of nutrients.

The small intestine is where most digestion occurs.

It takes from 6 h to 8 h for food to move through the small intestine.

This gives the food plenty of time to break down and be absorbed.

The length of the small intestine also maximizes the area of the intestinal mucosa (about ##30color(white)(l) "m"^2##) through which the nutrients are absorbed into the blood and lymph systems.

The primary job of the large intestine is to absorb any remaining nutrients and to push undigested food and waste through to be expelled.

The large intestine absorbs about 1.5 L of water from the waste each day, changing it from a liquid mush to a firmer stool, which is easier to pass.