Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100116.htm

Intestinal obstruction repair - series—Normal anatomy

Intestinal obstruction repair - series

Overview

The intestine is made up of the small intestine and the large intestine (colon). The small intestine runs from the stomach to the large intestine. The colon runs from the end of the small intestine to the anus. The intestine absorbs nutrients and water from the diet.

Review Date 2/28/2022

Updated by: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Related MedlinePlus Health Topics