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The human rectum is a part of the lower gastrointestinal tract. The rectum is a continuation of the sigmoid colon , and connects to the anus . The rectum follows the shape of the sacrum and ends in an expanded section called an ampulla where feces is stored before its release via the anal canal .
In humans, the anus (pl.: anuses or ani; from Latin ānus, "ring", "circle") [1] [2] is the external opening of the rectum located inside the intergluteal cleft. Two sphincters control the exit of feces from the body during an act of defecation, which is the primary function of the anus.
The anal canal is the part that connects the rectum to the anus, located below the level of the pelvic diaphragm. [1] It is located within the anal triangle of the perineum, between the right and left ischioanal fossa. As the final functional segment of the bowel, it functions to regulate release of excrement by two muscular sphincter complexes ...
The human digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory organs of digestion (the tongue, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder). Digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller and smaller components, until they can be absorbed and assimilated into the body.
The human gastrointestinal tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, and is divided into the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts. [3] The GI tract includes all structures between the mouth and the anus , [ 4 ] forming a continuous passageway that includes the main organs of digestion, namely, the stomach , small intestine ...
It is about 5 mm thick, and is formed by an aggregation of the smooth (involuntary) circular muscle fibers of the rectum. [citation needed] The internal anal sphincter aids the sphincter ani externus to occlude the anal aperture and aids in the expulsion of the feces. Its action is entirely involuntary. It is normally in a state of continuous ...
They appear to be peculiar to human physiology: Baur (1863) looked for Houston's valves in a number of mammals, including wolf, bear, rhinoceros, and several Old World primates, but found no evidence. They are formed very early during human development, and may be visible in embryos of as little as 55 mm in length (10 weeks of gestational age.) [1]
Function [ edit ] While the first part of the large intestine is responsible for the absorption of water and other substances from the chyme , the main function of the descending colon is to store waste until it can be removed from the body in solid form, when a person has a bowel movement .