Rectum, Anal Canal and Ischioanal Fossa Flashcards
How long is the Rectum?
5 inches (12cm)
Where is the Rectum?
From Vertebral level S3 to the level of the apex of the prostate in males and the lower vagina in females
What is the space between the Rectum and the Bladder in the male called?
Recto-vesical pouch
What is the space between the Rectum and the Uterus in the Female called?
Recto-Uterine Pouch of Douglas
What does the Rectum look like in a Coronal Section?
- Curved along the Sacrum
- S Shaped
- Has Valves of Houston going Left, Right, Left
What happens if the Ampulla of the Rectum is stretched?
The Internal Anal Sphincter Relaxes
Which of the Rectal Valves of Houston is the biggest?
The Right one–> because it has muscle
What is the importance of the Valves of Houston?
Important in Colonoscopy
Where is the Ampulla of the Rectum?
It is the lower final end of the Rectum
What are the features of the Rectum?
- No Taeniae Coli
2. No Appendices Epiploicae
Which parts of the Rectum are covered by Peritoneum?
- Upper 1/3–> Front and Sides
- Middle 1/3–> Front only
- Lower 1/3–> None
What structures are posterior to the Rectum?
- Sacrum
- Coccyx
- Spinal Nerves S3, S4, S5
- Rectal Vessels and Lymphatics
- Waldeyer’s Fascia
What structures are lateral to the Rectum?
- Distensible Fascia
2. Levator Ani
What structures are anterior to the Rectum in Males?
- Upper 2/3 of Peritoneum
- Coils of Ileum
- Sigmoid Colon
- Rectovesical Pouch
- Denonvillier’s Fascia
- Base of Bladder
- Prostate
- Seminal Vesicles
What structures are anterior to the Rectum in Females?
- Upper 2/3 of Peritoneum
- Coils of Ileum
- Sigmoid Colon
- Rectouterine Pouch of Douglas
- Denonvillier’s Fascia
- Cervix
- Vagina
What is the blood supply to the Rectum?
- Superior Rectal Artery
- Middle Rectal Artery
- Median Sacral Artery
Where is the Superior Rectal Artery from?
From the Inferior Mesenteric Artery
Where is the Middle Rectal Artery from?
Internal Iliac Artery
Where is the Median Sacral Artery from?
Aorta at level L4
What is the Venous Drainage of the Rectum?
- Inferior Mesenteric Vein to the Portal Vein
- Middle Rectal Vein to the Internal Iliac Vein to Systemic Venous Drainage
- Inferior Rectal Vein to Internal Iliac Vein to Systemic Venous Drainage
What is the Lymphatic Drainage of the Rectum?
- Presacral nodes
- Internal Iliac nodes
- Preaortic nodes
Where are the Internal Iliac Lymph Nodes?
In the lateral wall of the pelvis
What muscle is at the junction of the rectum and anus?
Puborectalis
What group of muscles is Puborectalis from?
Levator Ani
What is the nerve supply to Puborectalis?
Pudendal Nerve (Voluntary Control)
What are the attachments of puborectalis?
- Pubic Symphysis
2. Splits around the posterior rectum
What is the function of Puborectalis?
- Relaxes to allow defaecation
2. Increase the ankle between the rectum and anal canal