Abstract

The rectum is approximately 10 to 15 cm in length and extends from the sigmoid colon to the anal canal. It contribute to defecation as the rectal walls expand, stretch receptors from the nervous system located in the rectal walls stimulate the desire to defecate. There are some differences between rectum and colon. The rectum is divided into two portion by peritoneal reflection and makes pouch. The pouch is associated with many pathologic conditions, such as rectal shelf in stomach cancer, rectal endometriosis, and spread of pelvic inflammation. The inferior mesenteric arteries and middle, inferior rectal arteries supply the rectum. This dual blood supply system causes different incidence of ischemic inserts and metastatic site in rectum and colon cancer. The function of anal sphincter and rectum in pelvic cavity is significantly important in defecation and its disturbance causes some specific rectal disease. Due to its position, rectum may be injuried by external and internal events and show the initial suggestion of colorectal disease. We describe uncommon specific diseases in rectum classified into inflammatory diseases, functional disease and tumor. (Intestinal Research 2006;4:1-6)

• Keywords: Rectum, Inflammatory disease, Function-associated disease, Tumor