Digestive System

Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

Why is the small intestine longer than the large intestine?

The descriptive terms “small” and “long” refer to the diameter of the intestine rather than the length. The diameter of the small intestine is only approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters), while the diameter of the large intestine is 2.5 to 3.0 inches (6.5 to 7.5 centimeters).

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