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The terminal portion of the digestive tube, extending from the rectosigmoid junction to the anal canal. (Perineal flexure). [L. rectus, straight, pp. of rego, to make straight]
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rec·tum 'rek-təm n, pl rectums or rec·ta -tə the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus
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n.
the terminal part of the large intestine, about 12 cm long, which runs from the sigmoid colon to the anal canal. Faeces are stored in the rectum before defecation.
• rectal adj.
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rec·tum (rekґtəm) [L. “straightâ€] [TA] the distal portion of the large intestine, beginning anterior to the third sacral vertebra as a continuation of the sigmoid and ending at the anal canal. rectal adjMedical dictionary. 2011.