The rectum (from the Latin rectum intestinum, meaning straight intestine) is the final straight

portion of the large intestine in some mammals, and the gut in others. The human rectum is
about 12 centimetres (4.7 in) long,[2] and begins at the rectosigmoid junction (the end of the
sigmoid colon), at the level of the third sacral vertebra or the sacral promontory depending
upon what definition is used.[3] Its caliber is similar to that of the sigmoid colon at its
commencement, but it is dilated near its termination, forming the rectal ampulla. It terminates
at the level of the anorectal ring (the level of the puborectalis sling) or the dentate line, again
depending upon which definition is used.[3] In humans, the rectum is followed by the anal
canal, before the gastrointestinal tract terminates at the anal verge.

Contents

1 Structure
2 Function

3 Clinical significance

3.1 Examination

3.2 Route of administration

3.3 Constipation

3.4 Other disease

4 Society and culture

o

4.1 Sexual stimulation

5 History
o

5.1 Etymology

6 Additional images

7 See also

8 References

9 External links

Structure
The rectum is a component of the lower gastrointestinal tract. The rectum is a continuation of
the sigmoid colon, and connects to the anus. The rectum follows the shape of the sacrum, and
ends in an expanded section called the rectal ampulla. Unlike other portions of the colon, the
rectum does not have taeniae coli.[4] :397
The rectum connects with the sigmoid colon at the level of S3, and connects with the anal
canal as it passes through the pelvic floor muscles.[4] :397
Supports of the rectum include:[citation needed]

Pelvic floor formed by levator ani muscles.

Waldeyer's fascia

Lateral ligaments of rectum which are formed by the condensation of pelvic fascia

Rectovesical fascia of Denonvillers, which extends from rectum behind to the seminal
vesicles and prostate in front.

Pelvic peritoneum

Perineal body

Function
The rectum acts as a temporary storage site for feces. As the rectal walls expand due to the
materials filling it from within, stretch receptors from the nervous system located in the rectal
walls stimulate the desire to defecate. If the urge is not acted upon, the material in the rectum
is often returned to the colon where more water is absorbed from the feces. If defecation is
delayed for a prolonged period, constipation and hardened feces results.[citation needed]
When the rectum becomes full, the increase in intrarectal pressure forces the walls of the anal
canal apart, allowing the fecal matter to enter the canal. The rectum shortens as material is
forced into the anal canal and peristaltic waves propel the feces out of the rectum. The
internal and external sphincter allow the feces to be passed by muscles pulling the anus up
over the exiting feces.

Clinical significance
Examination
Main article: Rectal exam
For the diagnosis of certain ailments, a rectal exam may be done. These include faecal
impaction, prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy in men, faecal incontinence, and
internal haemorrhoids.[5] :179180
A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are forms of endoscopy that use a guided camera to view
the rectum. These may have the ability to take biopsies if needed, and may be used to
performed to diagnose diseases such as cancer.
Body temperature can also be taken in the rectum. Rectal temperature can be taken by
inserting a medical thermometer not more than 25 mm (1 inch) into the rectum via the anus.
A mercury thermometer should be inserted for 3 to 5 minutes; a digital thermometer should
remain inserted until it beeps. Normal rectal temperature generally ranges from 36 to 38 C
(96.8 to 100.4 F) and is about 0.5 C (1 F) above oral (mouth) temperature and about 1 C
(2 F) above axilla (armpit) temperature.[citation needed]
Pediatricians recommend that parents take infants' and toddlers' temperature in the rectum for
two reasons:[citation needed]

1. Rectal temperature is the closest to core body temperature and in young children,
accuracy is critical.
2. Younger children frequently do not cooperate when having their temperature taken by
mouth (oral), which is recommended for children ages 6 and above as well as adults.
In recent years, the introduction of non-invasive temperature taking methods including
tympanic (ear) and forehead thermometers, and changing attitudes on privacy and modesty
have led some parents and doctors to discontinue taking rectal temperatures.[citation needed]

Route of administration
Main article: Suppository
The rectum may also be used as a site for the delivery of drugs, by way of a suppository.

Constipation
Main article: Constipation
One cause of constipation is faecal impaction in the rectum, in which a dry, hard stool forms.
Manual evacuation is the use of a gloved finger to evacuate faeces from the rectum, and, after
the application of stool softeners, is utilised in acute constipation.[6] :914 It is also in the longterm management of neurogenic bowel, seen most frequently in people with a spinal cord
injury or multiple sclerosis. Digital rectal stimulation, the insertion of one finger into the
rectum, may be used to induce peristalsis in patients whose own peristaltic reflex is
inadequate to fully empty the rectum.

Other disease
Other diseases of the rectum include:

Rectal cancer, a subgroup of colorectal cancer specific to the rectum.

Rectal prolapse, referring to the prolapse of the rectum into the anus or external area.
This is commonly caused by a weakened pelvic floor after childbirth.

Ulcerative colitis, one form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers that
affect the rectum. This may be episodic, over a person's lifetime. These may cause
blood to be visible in the stool. As of 2014 the cause is unknown.

In the context of Mesenteric ischemia, the upper rectum is sometimes referred to as

Sudak's point and is of clinical importance as a watershed region between the
Inferior mesenteric artery circulation and the Internal iliac artery circulation via the
Middle rectal artery, and thus prone to ischemia. Sudak's point is often referred to
along with Griffith's point at the Splenic flexure as a watershed region.

Society and culture

Sexual stimulation
See also: Anal sex

Due to the proximity of the anterior wall of the rectum to the vagina in females or to the
prostate in males and the shared nerves thereof, rectal stimulation or penetration can result in
sexual arousal.

History
Etymology
'English' rectum is derived from the full Latin expression intestinum rectum.[7] The English
name straight gut[8] truly expresses the literal meaning of this expression, as Latin rectum
means straight,[9] and intestinum means gut.[9] This Latin expression is a translation[10][11] of
Ancient Greek , derived from , to make straight,[12] and
, gut,[12] attested in the writings of Greek physician Galen.[10][11] During his anatomic
investigations on animal corpses, Galen observed the rectum to be straight instead of curved
as in humans.[10][11] The expressions and intestinum rectum are
therefore not appropriate descriptions of the rectum in humans. Apeuthysmenon[13] can be
considered as Latinization of and euthyenteron[14] has a similar
meaning ( = straight[12]).