What is the length of the rectum?

Everyone is familiar with the rectum, which exists in each of our bodies and plays an irreplaceable and important role. So how long is the rectum? I believe that everyone is paying more and more attention to the length of the rectum. So here we will learn about the relevant knowledge about the rectum and clarify the length of the rectum.

The upper end of the rectum is at the level of the third sacral vertebra, connected to the sigmoid colon, and connected to the anal canal at the dentate line. About 12 to 15 cm long. The upper end of the rectum is similar in size to the colon, and its lower end expands into the rectal ampulla, which is a temporary storage site for feces before it is discharged. The lowest end becomes thinner and connects to the anal canal. The position of the rectum in the pelvic cavity is closely related to the ventral surface of the sacrum and has the same curvature as the sacrum. The rectum has curves that bulge to the left and right in the frontal plane. When performing a sigmoidoscopy, these curves must be paid attention to to avoid damaging the intestinal wall. The upper 1/3 of the rectum is covered with peritoneum on the front and both sides; the middle 1/3 is covered with peritoneum in front and folds forward to form the rectovesical pouch or rectouterine pouch; the lower 1/3 is entirely located outside the peritoneum, so the rectum is an intestine that is half inside and half outside the abdominal cavity. The rectum has no true mesentery, but the peritoneum above and behind it often surrounds the superior rectal blood vessels and cellulite, so some people call it the rectal mesentery. There are lateral ligaments on both sides that secure the rectum to the side walls of the pelvis. The mucosa of the rectal ampulla has three folds: upper, middle and lower, which contain circular muscle fibers and are called rectal valves. The middle valve is often opposite to the peritoneal reflection plane. However, the number of rectal valves can vary and can be up to 5. When the rectum expands, the rectal valve disappears, which has the function of preventing the discharge of feces.

The above introduces the length of the human rectum. We know the structure of the rectum and its specific length is approximately between 12-15 cm. The rectum occupies a very important position in our body's digestive system. Its structure is relatively complex and it has the function of preventing the excretion of feces. Only by paying more attention to our physical health can we make the rectum work better and our body functions function better.