Rectal Anatomy

Certain types of cancers may be diagnosed by performing an endoscopy in the rectum. Veins corresponding to their named arteries form a rectal venous plexus.

Rectal Prolapse Mayo Clinic

There are two sphincter muscles.

Rectal anatomy. Rectal prolapse referring to the prolapse of the rectum into the anus or external area. An internal sphincter muscle which can be felt as a muscular ring beyond which is the rectum. It extends from the inferior end of the sigmoid colon along the anterior surface of the sacrum and coccyx in the posterior of the pelvic cavity.

A muscular sheet called the pelvic diaphragm runs perpendicular to the juncture of the rectum and rectum terminal segment of the digestive system in which feces accumulate just prior to discharge. The anorectal line separates the anus from the rectum. Tough tissue called fascia surrounds the anus and attaches it to nearby structures.

An endoscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses an endoscope a small flexible tube with a camera and light to examine areas inside the body. The rectum is continuous with the sigmoid colon and extends 13 to 15 cm 5 to 6 inches to the anus. The anus is the opening where the gastrointestinal tract ends and exits the body.

Anatomy the rectum is a hollow muscular tube about 8 inches 20 cm in length and 25 inches in diameter at its widest point. The peritoneum firmly attaches the rectum to the sacrum. Arterial supply to the rectum is formed from an anastomotic submucous plexus.

The rectum is the most distal segment of the large intestine and has an important role as a temporary store of faeces. The anus starts at the bottom of the rectum the last portion of the colon large intestine. The anal columns are united below by anal valves which bound anal sinuses.

At the level of the s3 vertebral body the sigmoid colon loses its mesentery. It is continuous proximally with the sigmoid colon and terminates into the anal canal. Several vertical mucosal folds the anal formerly called rectal columns are usually visible in the upper half of the canal fig.

The upper portion of the anus or that part that connects to the rectum is known as the squamocolumnar junction. Body temperature may also be obtained from the rectal area. The rectum is an expandable organ for the temporary storage of feces.

And an external sphincter muscle. In this article we will discuss the anatomy of the rectum its structure anatomical relationships and clinical relevance. Anatomy of the anus.

The columns are vascular and enlargement of their venous plexus results in internal hemorrhoids. This is commonly caused by a weakened pelvic floor after childbirth. The rectum lies next to the sacrum and generally follows its curvature.

Rectal Cancer An Evidence Based Update For Primary Care