Rectum Flashcards
where is the rectum located?
The rectum is the most distal segment of the large intestine
what is the role of the rectum?
temporary store of faeces
what is the rectum continuous with proximally?
It is continuous proximally with the sigmoid colon
where does the rectum terminate into?
terminates into the anal canal
approximately how long is the rectum?
15cm long
where does the rectum begin?
at the level of S3 (as a continuation of the sigmoid colon)
how is the rectum macroscopically distinct from the colon?
with an absence of taenia coli, haustra, and omental appendices
what are the 2 major flexures that mark the course of the rectum?
Sacral flexure
Anorectal flexure – .
what is the sacral flexure?
anteroposterior curve with concavity anteriorly
what is the anorectal flexure?
anteroposterior curve with convexity anteriorly
what does the sacral flexure follow?
follows the curve of the sacrum and coccyx
what forms the anorectal flexure?
formed by the tone of the puborectalis muscle, and contributes significantly to faecal continence
how many additional lateral flexures are there?
3 additional lateral flexures
what are the 3 additional lateral flexures?
superior, intermediate, inferior
what are the 3 additional lateral flexures formed by?
transverse folds of the internal rectum wall