Difference Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:26 PM IST

The small and large intestines form integral parts of the digestive system, with each exhibiting different functions. The difference between the small and large intestines lies in their size, structure, and role. The small intestine, which is longer and narrower, is characterized by digesting food and absorbing nutrients, making it vital for energy and growth. This is one of the important topics for the human digestive system in Biology.

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The Human Digestive System
Small Intestine
Large Intestine
Difference Between Small Intestine And Large Intestine

Difference Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine

The Human Digestive System

The digestive system is a system of organs, in which food is broken down to be absorbed and waste products excreted. It has two specific parts which are the small intestine and the large intestine. The main process of digestion and absorption occurs in the small intestine. However, the large intestine is mainly focused on absorbing water and forming waste products that need to be expelled from the body.

The small and large intestine has the structural difference between small and large intestine lies in the way that these two types of intestines differ from each other, though the larger intestine is smaller and the small intestine is longer and narrower.

The main function of the small intestine, particularly in class 10 studies, is to absorb nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream. The large intestine plays the role of absorbing water and eliminating waste in the digestive system. Getting to know what the small intestine and large intestine are, with their differences, is very fundamental in appreciating how the digestive system works.

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Small Intestine

The small intestine is a long, coiled tube about 4-6 meters in length.
It is divided into three portions: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Its main function is to digest and absorb nutrients from the ingested food.
Its inner surface is lined by numerous villi and microvilli, progressing to enlarge the surface for effective absorption.
Enzymes and digestive juices from the pancreas, liver, and its own glands aid in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, ensuring that vital nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Diagram: Small Intestine

Given below is the detailed diagram of the small intestine:

Small Intestine

Large Intestine

The large intestine is about 1.5 meters long and consists of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.
It absorbs significant amounts of water and electrolytes from indigestible food material and, hence, forms semi-solid stools.
Unlike the small intestine, it does not have villi but has haustra or pouches, which help with the segmentation movement and passage of waste
The large intestine also contains quite a respectable resident population of gut bacteria that can ferment undigested carbohydrates, producing valuable vitamins of the types of Vitamin K and some of the B complex
It stores faecal matter until it is excreted from the body.

Diagram: Large Intestine

Given below is the detailed diagram of the large intestine:

Large Intestine

Difference Between Small Intestine And Large Intestine

Feature	Small Intestine	Large Intestine
Length	4-6 meters	1.5 meters
Diameter	2.5-3 cm	6-7 cm
Sections	Duodenum, jejunum, ileum	Cecum, colon, rectum, anal canal
Surface Area	Villi and microvilli increase surface area	Smooth with haustra
Primary Function	Digestion and absorption of nutrients	Absorption of water and electrolytes, formation of faeces
Histological Layers	Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa	Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa
Digestive Enzymes	Present (e.g., enterokinase, maltase)	None
Motility	Segmentation and peristalsis	Haustral churning, mass movements
Microbiota	Less abundant, mainly involved in nutrient digestion	Abundant, involved in fermentation and vitamin production
Diseases	Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, intestinal obstruction	Colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary function of the small intestine?

The main function of the small intestine is to break food into absorbable nutrients.

2. Describe the large intestine structure concerning the small intestine.

The large intestine is shorter, and wider, with Haustra and Teniae coli organs whereas the small intestine is longer, and narrower with villi and microvilli.

3. What disorders act on the small intestine?

The common diseases include Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and intestinal obstruction.

4. How does nutrient absorption differ in the small intestine versus the large intestine?

The absorption of nutrients in the small intestine happens with the help of its villi and microvilli, whereas the large intestine is mainly engaged in the absorption of water and electrolytes.

5. What role does the large intestine play in water absorption?

Water from undigestible material is absorbed in the large intestine and formed into faeces, which are excreted out of the body.

6. What role do bacteria play in the small intestine versus the large intestine?

Bacteria play a minor role in the small intestine, where their numbers are kept low to prevent interference with nutrient absorption. In contrast, the large intestine hosts a diverse and abundant community of bacteria, collectively known as gut microbiota. These bacteria aid in the fermentation of undigested food, produce some vitamins, and contribute to overall gut health.

7. What are the main types of nutrients absorbed in the small intestine versus the large intestine?

The small intestine absorbs most nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. In contrast, the large intestine primarily absorbs water, some electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), and certain vitamins produced by gut bacteria (such as vitamin K and some B vitamins).

8. How does the structure of the muscular layer differ between the small and large intestine?

Both intestines have layers of smooth muscle, but their arrangement differs. The small intestine has two distinct layers: an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. The large intestine has three bands of longitudinal muscle called taeniae coli, which give it a characteristic pouched appearance. This structural difference reflects their different movement patterns and functions.

9. What is the significance of the ileocecal valve?

The ileocecal valve is a sphincter muscle located at the junction of the small and large intestine. It prevents backflow of contents from the large intestine into the small intestine, maintaining the distinct environments of each section. This valve also regulates the passage of material from the small to the large intestine, ensuring proper digestion and absorption.

10. How does the absorption of fats differ between the small and large intestine?

Fat absorption occurs almost exclusively in the small intestine, particularly in the jejunum and ileum. Here, bile salts emulsify fats, and lipases break them down into fatty acids and glycerol for absorption. The large intestine does not significantly contribute to fat absorption, as its primary focus is on water reabsorption.

11. What are villi, and why are they important in the small intestine?

Villi are finger-like projections on the inner lining of the small intestine. They are crucial for increasing the surface area for nutrient absorption. Each villus contains blood vessels and a lymph vessel, allowing absorbed nutrients to enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The large intestine lacks villi as it doesn't require extensive surface area for its functions.

12. What are microvilli, and why are they important in the small intestine?

Microvilli are tiny, hair-like projections on the surface of the epithelial cells lining the small intestine. They form a brush border that greatly increases the surface area for nutrient absorption. Microvilli also contain enzymes that aid in the final stages of digestion. The large intestine lacks microvilli, as it doesn't require such extensive surface area for its functions.

13. How does the absorption of vitamins differ between the small and large intestine?

Most vitamins are absorbed in the small intestine, including fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and most water-soluble vitamins. The large intestine absorbs some vitamins produced by gut bacteria, particularly vitamin K and certain B vitamins. This difference is due to the small intestine's specialized absorption mechanisms and its position earlier in the digestive tract.

14. How does the nervous control of the small intestine compare to that of the large intestine?

Both the small and large intestines are controlled by the enteric nervous system, but there are differences in their regulation. The small intestine has more complex nervous control to coordinate its varied functions of digestion and absorption. The large intestine has simpler control mechanisms focused on regulating water absorption and bowel movements.

15. How does the production and composition of chyme change as it moves from the small to the large intestine?

Chyme entering the small intestine is acidic and contains partially digested food. As it moves through the small intestine, it becomes more alkaline and loses nutrients as they are absorbed. By the time it reaches the large intestine, chyme has lost most of its nutrients and is more watery. In the large intestine, it becomes more solid as water is absorbed, forming feces.

16. What is the main functional difference between the small and large intestine?

The small intestine is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption, while the large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes. The small intestine breaks down and absorbs most nutrients from food, whereas the large intestine focuses on water reabsorption and forming feces.

17. How does the length of the small intestine compare to that of the large intestine?

The small intestine is much longer than the large intestine. On average, the small intestine is about 20-25 feet (6-7.5 meters) long, while the large intestine is only about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long. This difference in length reflects their different functions, with the small intestine needing more surface area for nutrient absorption.

18. Why does the small intestine have a larger surface area than the large intestine?

The small intestine has a larger surface area due to its structural adaptations: circular folds, villi, and microvilli. These features increase the surface area for efficient nutrient absorption. The large intestine doesn't require as much surface area since its main function is water absorption and feces formation.

19. How does the pH differ between the small and large intestine?

The small intestine has a slightly alkaline pH, typically ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. This alkaline environment is crucial for the optimal functioning of digestive enzymes. In contrast, the large intestine has a more acidic pH, usually between 5.5 and 7.0, due to the presence of bacteria and their fermentation products.

20. How does the movement of food differ between the small and large intestine?

In the small intestine, food moves through a process called peristalsis, which involves wave-like muscle contractions. This movement is relatively rapid to mix food with digestive juices and move it along. In the large intestine, movement is slower and involves segmentation (localized contractions) and mass movements, allowing more time for water absorption and feces formation.

21. What is the significance of the appendix, and which part of the intestine is it associated with?

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch connected to the large intestine, specifically at the beginning of the colon (cecum). While once considered vestigial, current research suggests it may play a role in maintaining beneficial gut bacteria and supporting the immune system. The small intestine does not have an equivalent structure.

22. What is the difference in the types of movements observed in the small versus the large intestine?

The small intestine primarily uses peristalsis (wave-like contractions) and segmentation (localized contractions) to mix and move chyme. The large intestine uses slower, more powerful contractions called mass movements, in addition to segmentation, to move the more solid contents and form feces.

23. How does the absorption of electrolytes differ between the small and large intestine?

Both intestines absorb electrolytes, but their roles differ. The small intestine absorbs most electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and chloride, often coupled with nutrient absorption. The large intestine fine-tunes electrolyte balance, absorbing remaining sodium and chloride while secreting potassium and bicarbonate.

24. What is the significance of the circular folds (plicae circulares) in the small intestine?

Circular folds are permanent ridges in the small intestine's mucosa and submucosa. They increase surface area for absorption and slow the passage of chyme, allowing more time for nutrient absorption. The large intestine lacks these folds as its primary function is water absorption, not nutrient absorption.

25. What is the role of enteroendocrine cells in the small and large intestine?

Enteroendocrine cells are present in both intestines but have different distributions and functions. In the small intestine, they secrete hormones like cholecystokinin and secretin, which regulate digestion. In the large intestine, they produce hormones that influence motility and water absorption, such as peptide YY.

26. How does the presence of Peyer's patches differ between the small and large intestine?

Peyer's patches are clusters of lymphoid tissue found primarily in the ileum of the small intestine. They play a crucial role in immune surveillance and response to potential pathogens. The large intestine generally lacks Peyer's patches, although it does contain other lymphoid tissues. This difference reflects the small intestine's greater exposure to potential pathogens in food.

27. What is the role of goblet cells in the small and large intestine?

Goblet cells are present in both the small and large intestine, but their distribution and function differ. In the small intestine, goblet cells secrete mucus that lubricates the passage of food and protects the intestinal lining. In the large intestine, goblet cells are more numerous and produce a thicker mucus layer, which is crucial for protecting the colon from its more concentrated and potentially harmful contents.

28. What is the role of haustra in the large intestine, and why are they absent in the small intestine?

Haustra are small pouches along the large intestine, created by the contraction of the taeniae coli. They increase the surface area for water absorption and help in the formation of feces. The small intestine lacks haustra because its primary function of nutrient absorption is achieved through other structural adaptations like villi and microvilli.

29. How does the presence of lymphoid tissue differ between the small and large intestine?

The small intestine contains more organized lymphoid tissue, particularly Peyer's patches in the ileum, which are crucial for immune surveillance. The large intestine has less organized lymphoid tissue but still contains immune cells throughout its lining. This difference reflects the small intestine's greater exposure to potential pathogens from ingested food.

30. How does the absorption of water differ between the small and large intestine?

Both intestines absorb water, but their roles differ significantly. The small intestine absorbs about 90% of the water from ingested food and drinks. The large intestine absorbs most of the remaining water, concentrating the intestinal contents to form feces. This difference is crucial for maintaining body hydration and proper stool consistency.

31. What is the difference in oxygen levels between the small and large intestine?

The small intestine has a higher oxygen content compared to the large intestine. This difference is due to the greater blood supply to the small intestine for nutrient absorption. The large intestine has a lower oxygen content, which supports the growth of anaerobic bacteria that are crucial for its functions.

32. How does the presence of digestive enzymes differ between the small and large intestine?

The small intestine has a high concentration of digestive enzymes, both from the pancreas and those produced by the intestinal cells (like lactase and peptidases). These enzymes are crucial for breaking down nutrients. The large intestine has fewer digestive enzymes, as most digestion is complete by the time content reaches it.

33. What is the difference in the types of epithelial cells found in the small versus the large intestine?

The small intestine is lined primarily with absorptive cells (enterocytes) and goblet cells, with specialized cells like Paneth cells in the crypts. The large intestine has a higher proportion of goblet cells and lacks Paneth cells. This difference reflects their distinct functions in absorption and protection.

34. How does the rate of cell turnover compare between the small and large intestine?

The small intestine has a faster rate of cell turnover, with epithelial cells being replaced every 4-5 days. This rapid turnover is necessary due to the harsh conditions and constant exposure to food particles. The large intestine has a slower cell turnover rate, with cells lasting about a week, reflecting its less abrasive environment.

35. What is the difference in the types of nutrients that can be absorbed in the small intestine versus the large intestine?

The small intestine can absorb a wide variety of nutrients, including monosaccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The large intestine primarily absorbs water, electrolytes, and some vitamins produced by gut bacteria. It cannot absorb most other nutrients, as they have already been absorbed in the small intestine.

36. How does the presence of vascular structures differ between the small and large intestine?

The small intestine has a more extensive network of blood and lymph vessels, particularly within the villi, to facilitate rapid nutrient absorption. The large intestine has a less elaborate vascular structure, primarily focused on water absorption and maintaining the mucosal barrier.

37. What is the significance of the different segments of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum)?

Each segment of the small intestine has specialized functions. The duodenum receives chyme from the stomach and digestive secretions from the pancreas and liver. The jejunum is the primary site for nutrient absorption. The ileum absorbs remaining nutrients, especially vitamin B12 and bile salts. The large intestine doesn't have such distinct functional segments.

38. How does the pH change as content moves from the small intestine to the large intestine?

The pH becomes slightly more acidic as content moves from the small to the large intestine. The small intestine maintains a slightly alkaline pH (around 7-8) to optimize enzymatic activity. The large intestine has a more acidic pH (around 5.5-7) due to bacterial fermentation and the production of short-chain fatty acids.

39. What is the role of bile in the small intestine, and why is it less important in the large intestine?

Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is released into the small intestine to emulsify fats, aiding in their digestion and absorption. It's crucial in the small intestine where fat digestion occurs. Bile is less important in the large intestine as most fat absorption is complete, and its main functions are water absorption and feces formation.

40. How does the presence of intrinsic factor affect absorption in the small versus large intestine?

Intrinsic factor, produced by the stomach, is crucial for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum of the small intestine. It forms a complex with B12 that can be absorbed by specific receptors. The large intestine does not have the ability to absorb this complex, highlighting the specialized nature of the small intestine's absorption capabilities.

41. What is the difference in the types of contractions observed in the small and large intestine?

The small intestine exhibits segmentation (mixing contractions) and peristalsis (propulsive contractions) to mix chyme with digestive juices and move it along. The large intestine has less frequent but more powerful contractions, including mass movements, which help to form and propel feces towards the rectum.

42. How does the absorption of short-chain fatty acids differ between the small and large intestine?

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are primarily produced and absorbed in the large intestine as a result of bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrates. The small intestine absorbs mainly long-chain fatty acids from dietary fats. This difference highlights the large intestine's role in extracting energy from otherwise indigestible fiber.

43. What is the significance of the different layers of the intestinal wall in the small and large intestine?

Both intestines have four main layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. However, the small intestine's mucosa is more complex with villi and microvilli for increased absorption. The large intestine's mucosa is flatter but has more goblet cells for mucus production. The muscular layer in the large intestine includes taeniae coli, absent in the small intestine.

44. How does the presence of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) differ between the small and large intestine?

The small intestine contains more organized GALT, including Peyer's patches, which are crucial for immune surveillance and response. The large intestine has less organized lymphoid tissue but still contains immune cells throughout its lining. This difference reflects the small intestine's greater exposure to potential pathogens from ingested food.

45. What is the role of the enteric nervous system in regulating the functions of the small and large intestine?

The enteric nervous system controls both intestines, but its regulation differs. In the small intestine, it coordinates complex processes of digestion, absorption, and motility. In the large intestine, it primarily regulates motility and secretion, focusing on water absorption and feces formation. The small intestine requires more intricate control due to its varied functions.

46. How does the absorption of iron differ between the small and large intestine?

Iron absorption occurs almost exclusively in the small intestine, particularly in the duodenum and upper jejunum. The small intestine has specialized mechanisms for iron absorption, including specific transport proteins. The large intestine does not significantly contribute to iron absorption, as its primary focus is on water reabsorption.