ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam

Which of the following structures comes after the ascending colon?

1. Descending colon

2. Transverse colon

3. Sigmoid colon

4. Rectum

The correct answer is: Transverse colon

The structure that comes after the ascending colon is the transverse colon. In the anatomy of the large intestine, the ascending colon is located on the right side of the abdomen and connects to the cecum. Following the ascending colon, the large intestine then transitions to the transverse colon, which runs horizontally across the abdomen. This connection is essential as it allows for the movement of waste products through the digestive tract. The descending colon follows the transverse colon and runs down the left side of the abdomen, while the sigmoid colon leads into the rectum. Understanding the order of these structures is important for recognizing the continuity of the gastrointestinal system and the flow of food waste through it. The transverse colon plays a crucial role in the absorption of water and salts from the remaining digested food before it continues into the descending colon and ultimately the rectum.