Connections

The functional structure of the colon is connected to other organs that support the digestive system. 

The colon is the distal organ to the small intestine and stomach, and is associated with the liver, gallbladder and pancreas in the upper abdomen (all of these are part of the digestive system).

On the lower abdomen, the colon is next to the uterus, ovaries and bladder.

The abdominal muscle surrounds and protects these organs, while nervefibers provide the colon sensitivity.

Blood and lymphatic systems irrigate the colon and rectal tissues internally, providing oxygen and nutrients (circulatory system), while collecting substances to be eliminated (circulatory and lymphatic), as well as nutrients absorbed from food (mostly the circulatory system).