Anatomy-Lexicon

rectum

Structure of the rectum

The colon makes an S-shaped bend. This section is called the sigmoideum. It represents the last connecting piece between the large intestine and the final rectum. The rectum is also known as the rectum.
Above all, it is a reservoir and stores prepared stool that is intended to be eliminated. The rectum begins approximately at the level of the sacrum.

The rectum has a length of approx. 15-20 cm. It ends in the anus, which is formed by the sphincter muscles as well as the perineal muscles. These sphincters hold back the bowel movement and thus ensure sufficient continence. The inside of the rectum is criss-crossed with a plexus of veins. If this vascular system bulges, the known hemorrhoids develop. Such haemorrhoids can develop, especially with solid stool or with increased pressures during defecation.
There are several stages of hemorrhoids. Bulging vessels always present the risk of injury. If this happens, one speaks of hemorrhoid bleeding, which can be not insignificant. Venous plexus sacs can be treated with a variety of ointments, or surgery can be performed.

Figure digestive tract

Digestive tract
A. - Food route
a - digestive organs
in the head and neck
(upper part of the digestive tract)
b - digestive organs
in the body cavity
(lower part of the digestive tract)

Oral cavity - Cavitas oris
Tongue - Lingua
Sublingual salivary gland -
Sublingual gland
Trachea - Trachea
Parotid gland -
Parotid gland
Throat - Pharynx
Mandibular salivary gland -
Submandibular gland
Esophagus - Esophagus
Liver - Hepar
Gallbladder - Vesica biliaris
Pancreas - Pancreas
Colon, ascending part -
Ascending colon
Appendix - Caecum
Appendix -
Appendix vermiformis
Stomach - Guest
Large intestine, transverse part -
Transverse colon
Small intestine - Intestine tenue
Large intestine, descending part -
Descending colon
Rectum - Rectum
Nach - anus

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

In diseases of the bowel that require surgical removal of sections of the bowel, it is important that a large part of the rectum is preserved. Otherwise there is a great risk of one Incontinence. Does the patient develop blood deposits in their stool or so-called? Tarry stool, should definitely pass the bowel through a reflection (Colonoscopy) to be examined.

A so-called digital rectal examination should be done in any case if blood is detected in the stool.
Here the rectal wall can be felt, constrictions can be found and it can also be checked whether the ampoule of the rectum is filled with stool and whether this is blood-free or if there is blood in it.
If the infestation is pronounced, the digital rectal examination can already suspect a Rectal cancer which can be noticeable in a pronounced narrowing.
In addition to the digital rectal examination, one should definitely have one if there is any suspicion Rectoscopy carry out. This is a colonoscopy in which only the rectum is seen. In order to carry out this procedure, much less effort and preparation is necessary than with a "large" colonoscopy.

Most of the time, shortly before the procedure, the patient only gets a purgative suppository to empty the rectum and thus allow a corresponding insight. A rigid instrument is then inserted into the anus and the rectum is inspected while advancing.