Rectum, Rectum - Medical procedures, Rectum - Sexual stimuli, Rectum - The rectum in human defecation, Gastrointestinal tract, Conical section, (semi-)Latus rectum
ARTICLES RELATED TO Rectum - The rectum in human defecation
The rectum ampulla acts as a temporary storage facility for feces. As the rectal walls expand due to the materials filling it from within, stretch receptors from the nervous system located in the rectal walls stimulate the desire to defecate. If the urge is not acted upon, the material in the rectum is often returned to the colon where more water is absorbed. If defecation is delayed for a prolonged period constipation and hardened feces results.
When the rectum is full the increase in intrarectal pressure forces the walls of the anal ...
For the diagnosis of certain ailments, a rectal exam may be done. Suppositories may be inserted into the rectum as a route of administration for medicine. colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy.
Body temperature can also be taken in the rectum. Rectal temperature can be taken by inserting a mercury thermometer for 3 to 5 minutes, or a digital thermometer until it "beeps", not more than 25 mm (1 inch) into the rectum via the anus. Due to recent concerns related to mercury poisoning, the use of mercury thermometers is now discouraged. Normal rectal ...
