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Rectum

Rectum

Overview

The rectum is the final portion of the large intestine. It empties stool from the body through the anus.

Review Date 5/2/2023

Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.