Basic Treatment Planning

Anatomical Definition: Rectum

• Anatomy and relations: 

Fixed part of the large intestine, 12-15cms in length. Begins anterior to the level of the third sacral vertebra

 

Continues superiorly to the sigmoid colon

 Follows the curve of the sacrum and coccyx and ends 3-4cms anteroinferior to the tip of the coccyx  Inferiorly, rectum lies immediately posterior to the prostate in males and to the vagina in females  End of the rectum lies posterior to the apex of the prostate in the male