What is the Rectum?
The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, connecting the sigmoid colon to the anus. It's a short, muscular tube, approximately 15 cm (6 inches) long, responsible for storing feces before elimination.
-
Function: The rectum's primary role is to temporarily hold waste material (feces) until it's expelled from the body through the anus during defecation. It plays a crucial role in bowel movements.
-
Anatomy: Located at the end of the colon, the rectum sits just before the anal canal. Its muscular walls allow for the expansion and contraction needed to store and release stool. The rectum's position is adjacent to the vagina in women.
Rectum and Colorectal Cancer
The rectum, along with the colon, forms part of the large intestine. Cancers originating in either the colon or rectum are collectively known as colorectal cancers. Understanding the rectum's anatomy is crucial in diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer.
-
Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer can manifest either as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on the specific location of the cancerous cells.
-
Rectal Cancer Symptoms: Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, increased frequency), feelings of incomplete bowel emptying, and rectal bleeding.
Clinical Significance
Several medical conditions involve the rectum, including rectal cancer, rectoceles (prolapse of the rectum into the vagina), and various inflammatory bowel diseases. Surgical procedures, such as low anterior resection, may involve the rectum. The location and size of rectal cancers impact the type of surgery required for treatment.
