What is the descending colon?
Disease description:
Recently, I went to the hospital for a physical examination and noticed “descending colon” listed on my lab report. I’m not sure what it refers to—could you please explain what the descending colon is?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Zhengxin
Generally, the descending colon is a segment of the large intestine that originates at the splenic flexure—where it connects with the transverse colon—and extends inferiorly along the left lateral border of the abdomen, passing through the left hypochondriac and lumbar regions, until it joins the sigmoid colon at the level of the left iliac crest. Its primary functions include absorption, secretion, bacterial digestion, and facilitation of defecation. Dysfunction of the colon may impair absorption and lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal distension.
