What is colitis?

Colitis is a general term for a number of causes that result in inflammation of the bowel (gastrointestinal system including the large and small intestine). It is classed as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The colon (large bowel) collects and stores the waste products of digestion. The colon is a long muscular tube that pushes undigested food waste towards the end of the gastrointestinal system (anus).

The colon constists of the following parts:

  1. the cecum,
  2. the ascending colon
  3. the transverse
  4. the descending colon
  5. the sigmoid
  6. the rectum,
  7. the anus.
 colitis

 

The wall of the colon has numerous layers. The inner layers (mucosal layer) come into contact with the fluid and allow water and electrolyte absorption to help solidify the feces. The mucosal layer is where the colon inflammation occurs. It is also responsible for the symptoms of colitis.