Anatomy
Continuous with sigmoid colon above and anal canal below, sitting in and following sacrococcygeal curve and on to c 2.5 cms below coccyx, to level of apex prostate, then turning back abruptly and dilating (rectal ampulla) to anal canal.
3 or 4 transverse folds (Houston’s valves) overlap when rectum empty and both support weight and prevent small amounts fecal matter creating defecatory urge. Peritoneum covers upper 2/3 front and sides, lower 3rd front only.
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