<P> In some small mammals, the colon is straight, as it is in other tetrapods, but, in the majority of mammalian species, it is divided into ascending and descending portions; a distinct transverse colon is typically present only in primates . However, the taeniae coli and accompanying haustra are not found in either carnivorans or ruminants . The rectum of mammals (other than monotremes) is derived from the cloaca of other vertebrates, and is, therefore, not truly homologous with the "rectum" found in these species . </P> <P> In fish, there is no true large intestine, but simply a short rectum connecting the end of the digestive part of the gut to the cloaca . In sharks, this includes a rectal gland that secretes salt to help the animal maintain osmotic balance with the seawater . The gland somewhat resembles a caecum in structure, but is not a homologous structure . </P> <Ul> <Li> <P> Intestines </P> </Li> <Li> <P> Colon . Deep dissection . Anterior view . </P> </Li> </Ul> <Li> <P> Intestines </P> </Li>

Which is a segment of the large intestine