Sign In



Remember Me

MedlinePlus®

A service of the National Library of Medicine.

Resource Library


Powered by Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Healthcare Consumers
 

This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.
 
Return to Main Index >> How to Use  
 


Dorland Logo
A |  B |  C |  D |  E |  F |  G |  H |  I |  J |  K |  L |  M |  N |  O |  P |  Q |  R |  S |  T |  U |  V |  W |  X |  Y |  Z

 
rectum (rek´tәm)   the last part of the large intestine; it begins at the level of the third sacral vertebra as a continuation of the sigmoid colon and ends at the anal canal. The feces, the solid waste products of digestion, are formed in the large intestine and are gradually pushed down into the rectum by the muscular action of the intestine. Distention of the rectum by the accumulating feces sets up nerve impulses that indicate to the brain the need to defecate and empty the rectum.




Elsevier Logo
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.

 
 
    Print This Page   Add To My Folder