The functional and organic alterations of the colon constitute one of the leading reasons why patients consult gastroenterologists. The irritable colon is one of the most com- mon causes of discomfort in human beings. The organic pathology of the large bowel (malignancy and chronic inflammatory disease) contributes, particularly among Occi- dental peoples, to discouragingly high levels of morbidity and mortality. One realizes the importance of having a thorough physiologic knowledge of the colon in order to scientifically plan the functional treatment of organic colonic dis- eases. If we...