The ascending colon is the first section.
It is also sometimes called the right colon.
The ascending colon is the first section of the colon.
It receives partially digested food from thesmall intestine.
Its held in place by the tissues and membranes that line the abdominal wall.
The innermost layer of the ascending colon is called the mucosa.
The outermost layer is the serosa, which secretes a fluid to reduce friction from smooth muscle contraction.
Location
The ascending colon is located on the right side of the abdomen.
It receives the digesting food from the small intestine.
The transverse colon goes from right to left across the abdomen.
Anatomical Variations
Variations and birth defects in the ascending colon are not common.
There are some variations in the branching of the arteries that supply blood to the parts of the colon.
The artery that supplies the right colon is thesuperior mesenteric artery.
There have been rare case reports of the blood supply instead coming from the inferior mesenteric artery.
The purpose of the colon is to absorb water and electrolytes from the stool.
Most vitamins and minerals are absorbed in the small intestine.
Associated Conditions
There are several diseases and conditions that can affect the ascending colon.
The other parts of the colon might be affected by these conditions as well.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancercan begin in the ascending colon.
Because it doesn’t always cause symptoms, it is often not found until the cancer is advanced.
When stool passes into the ascending colon from the small intestine, it is mostly liquid.
It can therefore bypass a growing tumor that is partially blocking the colon.
These tumors may be treated with surgery to remove part of the colon and with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Colon Polyps
Colon polypsare stalk-like growths that occur on the inner intestinal wall.
They protrude into the interior of the colon.
If they become large, they can block waste material from passing through.
Certain types of polyps are the precursor to cancer.
They may not cause any symptoms unless they become infected, which is called diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis may cause fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Diverticulitis is most often treated with antibiotics, but severe cases may need surgery.
IBD causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.
IBD is usually treated with medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and/or corticosteroids.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
This test is done under anesthesia.
Computed Tomography
Computed tomography (CT)is used to look at the organs in the abdomen.
It is a bang out of X-ray that can create an image of the colon and other body structures.
This test can show, for instance, if there are any tumors in the colon.
To prepare for this test, its often necessary to fast for several hours prior.
Contrast solution may be given, either by mouth or through an IV, during this test.
The contrast helps certain tissues show up better on the CT scan images.
It may be done with or without contrast.
Contrast for MRI is administered through an IV.
No radiation is used in this test.
Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) is used to find tumors.
Sugar treated with a low level of radiation is given through an IV before the test.
Summary
The ascending colon is the first part of the large intestine.
It receives partially digested food from the small intestine and absorbs the water and electrolytes.
These conditions are typically diagnosed with tests such as colonoscopy and MRI.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ascending colon is on the right side of the abdomen.
It begins at the cecum, the first part of the large intestine.
The ascending colon turns left and meets the transverse colon, which goes across the abdomen.
The ascending colon plays an important role in digestion.
It absorbs water and other key nutrients from the indigestible material.
The ascending colon helps solidify the waste into stool by removing water.
National Cancer Institute.Anatomy of the colon and rectum.
2018;93:144-148. doi:10.1007/s12565-017-0401-2.
American Cancer Society.Treatment of colon cancer, by stage.
