rectum, gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal system, colon, large bowel, art, anatomy, art in anatomy, Ashley Davidoff MD

The Rectum and Anus- Back End of the Colon in Maroon and Lime-Green

The AiA rendering is derived from a barium enema which is performed using X-rays. The last and most distal part of the colon is the rectum and it has 3 folds. The top fold delineates the border between the first inlet part of the rectum above and the ampulla below. The inlet portion is relatively narrow, becomes wider at the ampulla and then narrows at the anorectal junction. The rectal columns and pectinate line are near the anorectal junction.

Physiologically the voluminous space provides storage for content until it is opportune to evacuate.  The rectum has an unusual ability to distinguish between gaseous and solid content.

Artistically the corpulent and tubular shape with the crescentic folds resembles early stone art.

Description

The AiA rendering is derived from a barium enema which is performed using X-rays. The last and most distal part of the colon is the rectum and it has 3 folds. The top fold delineates the border between the first inlet part of the rectum above and the ampulla below. The inlet portion is relatively narrow, becomes wider at the ampulla and then narrows at the anorectal junction. The rectal columns and pectinate line are near the anorectal junction.

Physiologically the voluminous space provides storage for content until it is opportune to evacuate.  The rectum has an unusual ability to distinguish between gaseous and solid content.

Artistically the corpulent and tubular shape with the crescentic folds resembles early stone art.

Related categories: colon, shape, valve, X-ray, tubes in the body