Final answer:
The horizontal section of the large intestine that spans across the abdominal cavity is the transverse colon. It is part of the colon where food residues pass and water and nutrients are absorbed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The portion of the large intestine that passes horizontally across the abdominal cavity is known as the transverse colon. This section is an integral part of the digestive system, where food residue travels across from the right side of the abdomen to the left side, following the trajectory of the right colic flexure to the left colic flexure. The transverse colon is also tethered to the posterior abdominal wall by the mesocolon.
The large intestine is composed of the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus. The transverse colon specifically functions as a conduit for the passage of food residues as they are being processed into feces, with water and nutrients being absorbed along the way. It plays a crucial role in the body's waste management and detoxification processes.