Definition: About 6 to 8 inches long, the rectum is located at the end of the large intestine. The rectum ends at the anus.
Pronunciation: REK-tum
Common Misspellings: rektum
Rectum
By Amber J. Tresca, About.com Guide
Updated March 21, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Related Terms
Explore Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs
Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >
Also from About.com:
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.