# 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 means

- The last straight segment of the large intestine, about 12 cm long.
- Stores feces until they are expelled.
- Continuous below with the anal canal.

## Action steps

1. In the pelvis, in front of the sacrum and coccyx.
2. Between the sigmoid colon above and the anal canal below.
3. Behind the bladder in the male and the uterus and vagina in the female.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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