What is the rectum?
It is called the rectum. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as the last straight segment of the large intestine, about 12 cm long.
What it is
- The last straight segment of the large intestine, about 12 cm long.
- Stores feces until they are expelled.
- Continuous below with the anal canal.
Where it is
- In the pelvis, in front of the sacrum and coccyx.
- Between the sigmoid colon above and the anal canal below.
- Behind the bladder in the male and the uterus and vagina in the female.
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Last verified: 2026-07-18
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