What is the term for the intestines?

The term "bowel" refers to the intestines and is commonly used to describe both the small and large intestines together. The word "bowel" comes from the Middle English term "bowe," meaning "intestine." This term is often encountered in medical contexts, especially when discussing digestive health or gastrointestinal issues.

While "intestinal tract" and "gastrointestinal" are terms that may refer to the digestive system as a whole, they encompass a larger range of structures beyond just the intestines. The colon is specifically a part of the large intestine, so it does not encompass the entire intestinal system either. Therefore, “bowel” is the most accurate and direct term to describe the intestines among the options provided.