Rectum

Introduction: Rectum

The rectum contains feces that has been forwarded from the large intestine. Once the rectum fills enough, the process of defecation is used to expel feces out of the anus opening.

Descriptions of Rectum

Rectum: The last several inches of the large intestine. The rectum ends at the anus.
Source: National Institute of Health

Rectum: the terminal section of the alimentary canal; from the sigmoid flexure to the anus
Source: WordNet 2.1

Article Excerpts about Rectum

As food moves through it, the colon absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed. (Source: excerpt from Constipation: NIDDK)

Summary Information: Rectum

Rectum: The end of the digestive tract after the colon and before the anus.

Rectum: The last part of the large intestine (colon) ending in the anus. (Source: excerpt from Prostate Enlargement Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: NIDDK)

Condition count: 21 ; see list below.

Organ types: Digestive system (127)

Related organs: large intestine (19), bowel (19), colon (16), anus (16), defecation, feces

Main condition: Rectal conditions

Organs: list of all organs

Diseases List for Rectum:

The following list of medical conditions have 'Rectum' or similar listed as an affected body part in our database:

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