<P> The two most prevalent phyla of the colon are firmicutes and bacteroides . The ratio between the two seems to vary widely as reported by the Human Microbiome Project . Bacteroides are implicated in the initiation of colitis and colon cancer . Bifidobacteria are also abundant, and are often described as' friendly bacteria' . </P> <P> A mucus layer protects the large intestine from attacks from colonic commensal bacteria . </P> <P> Following are the most common diseases or disorders of the colon: </P> <Ul> <Li> Angiodysplasia of the colon </Li> <Li> Appendicitis </Li> <Li> Chronic functional abdominal pain </Li> <Li> Colitis </Li> <Li> Colorectal cancer </Li> <Li> Colorectal polyp </Li> <Li> Constipation </Li> <Li> Crohn's disease </Li> <Li> Diarrhea </Li> <Li> Diverticulitis </Li> <Li> Diverticulosis </Li> <Li> Hirschsprung's disease (aganglionosis) </Li> <Li> Ileus </Li> <Li> Intussusception </Li> <Li> Irritable bowel syndrome </Li> <Li> Pseudomembranous colitis </Li> <Li> Ulcerative colitis and toxic megacolon </Li> </Ul>

What is the last part of the large intestine that stores solid waste