Final answer:
The left colic flexure, also known as the splenic flexure, is the name of the bend of the large intestine where it turns downward to become the descending colon, located just below the spleen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of the bend of the large intestine that ultimately becomes the descending colon is known as the left colic flexure, or splenic flexure. This specific point is where the transverse colon sharply angles downward on the left side of the abdomen, just below the spleen. After this sharp bend, the large intestine continues as the descending colon, moving down the left side of the posterior abdominal wall.
Before reaching the left colic flexure, food residue travels up the ascending colon, bends at the right colic flexure (hepatic flexure) forming the transverse colon, and then reaches the splenic flexure. This progression is part of the digestion process, where the large intestine absorbs water, forms feces, and prepares for defecation. The mucosa of the large intestinal wall contains goblet cells which secrete mucus to ease the passage of feces.