ANATOMY

Ascending colon starts from the Cecum but it is smaller in caliber than it. On the upward surface it passes opposite to Colic Valve. To the under surface has Right Lobe of Liver on the right of Gallbladder lodging in a shallow depression known as Colic Impression (the anterior of two impressions of the Right Lobe of Liver). From this part it bends suddenly to forward and to the left making right Colic Flexure (Hepatic) where it becomes Transverse Colon.

It is attached to  the posterior wall of Abdomen by Peritoneum covering its anterior surface and sides. The posterior surface is connected with the Iliacus (flat triangular muscle filling Iliac Fossa), Quadratus Lumborum (irregular quadrilateral muscle in lower Back), Aponeurotic (layer of flat broad tendons) origin of Transversus Abdominis (muscle layer of anterior and lateral abdominal wall) by Loose Areolar Tissue. It is also connected with the front and lateral part of the right Kidney.

Often it is encapsulated by Peritoneum forming a distinct narrow Mesocolon.

BLOOD SUPPLY

The blood supply to the Ascending Colon comes from Ileocolic and Right Colic branches of Superior Mesenteric Arteries. The veins corresponding to arteries drain into the Superior Mesenteric Vein.

LYMPH DRAINAGE

Lying on the side of Blood Vessels, Lymph Vessels drain into the Lymph Nodes. These vessels finally reach the Superior Mesenteric Lymph Nodes.

INNERVATION

Ascending Colon receives Parasympathetic Innervations by Vagus Nerve (tenth Cranial Nerve). Thoracic Splanchnic Nerves (arising from sympathetic trunk in Thorax) supply Sympathetic innervations.

FUNCTION

Ascending Colon’s one of main functions is to remove water and other important nutrients from waste materials and send them back into the body for use. Waste materials exit the small intestine and enter the Cecum and then the Ascending Colon where the extraction of Nutrients starts. Movements named as Peristalsis (contraction and relaxation of muscles in a muscular tube) move the waste materials to the Transverse section of the Colon.

DISEASE

One of the common diseases related to the Ascending Colon is the Colorectal Cancer. Its symptoms depends upon its location of tumors whether they are in Colon or in Rectum. It doesn’t block Ascending Colon as the stool in this region is still in Liquid form and can pass the little blockage or constriction easily.