Twisted intestine. Large intestine (colon) with a twist (volvulus) at lower right. This part of the colon has been removed from the patient's body as

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Twisted intestine. Large intestine (colon) with a twist (volvulus) at lower right. This part of the colon has been removed from the patient's body as part of an operation to correct the condition. The colon, the final part of the digestive system, is a hollow tube through which food passes. Here, the twist has obstructed the tube and trapped food and gas which has bloated the colon around the twisted area. The tissue at the point of the twist can be severely compressed, cutting off the blood supply. If this happens, emergency surgery is required, as tissue death and gangrene may result. Photographed in Africa.

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Size: 3711px × 2404px
Photo credit: © DR M.A. ANSARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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