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Anatomical Definition: Rectum
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Anatomy and relations:
Fixed part of the large intestine, 12-15cms in length.
Begins anterior to the level of the third sacral vertebra
Continues superiorly to the sigmoid colon
Follows the curve of the sacrum and coccyx and ends 3-4cms
anteroinferior to the tip of the coccyx
Inferiorly, rectum lies immediately posterior to the prostate in males
and to the vagina in females
End of the rectum lies posterior to the apex of the prostate in the
male