Meaning of Word:
Rectum refers to the final section of the large intestine that ends at the anus, where waste material is stored before being excreted.
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- The terminal portion of the large intestine, leading to the anus.
- A straight, muscular tube that stores feces temporarily before evacuation.
History and Origin:
The word “rectum” is derived from the Latin term rectus, meaning “straight.” The rectum was named based on its relatively straight structure compared to the rest of the large intestine. Its anatomical significance has been recognized since ancient times in medical literature.
Detailed Explanation:
The rectum is part of the digestive system and plays a critical role in the storage and elimination of waste. It is approximately 12-15 cm long and connects the colon to the anus. The rectum acts as a temporary holding area for feces, with its walls equipped with stretch receptors that signal the need for defecation. This section is essential for maintaining the body’s waste management system.
Example Sentences:
- The rectum is the final part of the digestive tract.
- Waste material is stored in the rectum before being expelled.
- A healthy rectum is vital for proper bowel movements.
- Medical conditions like hemorrhoids can affect the rectum.
- The rectum connects the large intestine to the anus.
- The surgeon examined the rectum for any abnormalities.
- A blockage in the rectum can cause severe discomfort.
- The rectum plays an important role in the excretory system.
- Regular screenings can help detect diseases of the rectum early.
Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Anus: The opening through which waste is excreted (closely related).
- Colon: The large intestine section preceding the rectum.
- Digestive tract: The system of organs involved in digestion, including the rectum.
- Intestine: General term for the bowel, including the rectum.
- Bowel: Another term for the intestine, of which the rectum is a part.
Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Large Intestine: The broader organ to which the rectum belongs.
- Feces: Waste material stored in the rectum before excretion.
- Peristalsis: The muscle contractions that move waste to the rectum.
- Defecation: The process of eliminating waste stored in the rectum.
- Anal Canal: The passage connecting the rectum to the anus.
More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Excretion: The process of waste removal from the body.
- Pelvic Floor: Supports the rectum and other pelvic organs.
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus.
- Rectal Exam: A diagnostic procedure for examining the rectum.
- Rectocele: A medical condition involving the rectum bulging into the vaginal wall.
Antonyms:
- Mouth: The entry point of the digestive tract, opposite to the rectum.
- Esophagus: The tube carrying food to the stomach, at the upper end of the digestive system.
- Small Intestine: The digestive tract section before the large intestine.
- Stomach: The organ preceding the intestines in digestion.
- Ingestion: The process of taking food into the body, opposite to excretion.
