In the colon

A. False  The colon absorbs 1–2 litres/day; 8–10 litres is absorbed per day in the small intestine.

B. True  Mucous cells are the predominant cells on the colonic mucosal surface.

C. False  The average transit time from caecum to pelvic colon is about 12 hours but passage from the pelvic colon to the anus may take days.

D. True  Fibre (cellulose, lignin etc.) in the colonic contents stimulates peristaltic movements by adding ‘bulk’ to the food residues.

E. False  But bacteria such as Escherichia coli make up about a third of faecal weight.