What is the rectum?
The rectum is a part of the digestive system and is also called the rectum or rectum. It is the last section of the large intestine and measures about 12 to 15 centimeters. The rectum is where the indigestible remains are stored before the body excretes them as stool.
Where is the rectum located?
Anteriorly, the rectum in the male borders the prostate, vesicular glands, vas deferens, and the intervening area of the urinary bladder. In women, the uterus rests on the rectum, and muscle bundles radiate from the back of the cervix to the rectum. The vagina lies at the bottom back of the rectum.
What is the structure of the rectum?
Inside, the rectum has three crescent-shaped transverse folds. The middle fold is the largest and is called the Kohlrausch fold. It is located about six to eight centimeters above the anus and, in men, at the level of the prostate. A medical examination of the rectum with a finger (digital examination) is possible up to this transverse fold.
The longitudinal muscle layer, which is bundled into taenia in the wall of the other large intestine sections (cecum, colon), forms a uniform, closed muscle sheath in the rectum – similar to the small intestine.
What is the function of the rectum?
The sphincter muscles in the anal canal (sphincter apparatus) provide continence. They include two important ring muscles:
- the internal sphincter: consists of smooth muscles and works involuntarily
- the external sphincter: consists of striated muscles and works voluntarily
Still other muscles are important for continence, for example the muscles of the pelvic floor.
What problems can the rectum cause?
Inflammation of the rectum is called proctitis. There is also a chronic inflammation of the intestine that can extend to the rectum – Crohn’s disease.
Constipation (constipation) may have its cause in a disturbed voiding reflex.
Weakness of the pelvic floor (insufficiency) can lead to rectal prolapse, whereby the rectum protrudes from the anal opening after defecation.