Bates Chapter 15 - The Anus, Rectum & Prostate

Question 1

What two muscle actions hold the rectum closed?

Answer 1

1) Voluntary external anal sphincter

2) Involuntary internal anal sphincter

Question 2

What line, which is not palpable, demarcates the boundary between the somatic and visceral nerve supplies?

Answer 2

The pectinate or dentate line

Question 3

What are the inward-foldings of the rectal wall called?

Answer 3

The valves of Houston

Question 4

What are the common or concerning symptoms of rectal health?

Answer 4

1) Change in bowel habits
2) Blood in the stool
3) Pain with defecation, rectal bleed, tenderness
4) Anal warts or fissures
5) Weak stream of urine
6) Burning with urination

Question 5

What is the term for black or tarry stools which may indicate an upper GI bleed source?

Answer 5

Melena

Question 6

What is the term for red blood in the stool which may indicate a lower GI bleed?

Answer 6

Hematochezia

Question 7

What causes stool to turn black in transit through the GI tract?

Answer 7

The oxidation of iron in hemoglobin

Question 8

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

Answer 8

1) Age > 50
2) Ethnicity (higher in AA males)
3) Family history (first degree relative(s), BRCA2)

Question 9

What are two possible screenings for prostate cancer?

Answer 9

1) Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

2) Digital-rectal exam (DRE)