Veterinary Splanchnology and Applied Anotomy

RECTUM (OX)

• The rectum is the terminal part of the bowel
• It extends from the pelvic inlet to the anus
• It measures about one foot
• The rectum runs almost straight or slightly oblique course through the pelvic cavity
• It is related dorsally to the roof of the pelvic cavity, ventrally to the bladder, vesiculae seminalis, vas deferentia, ureters, Cowper’s glands and urethra in the male or uterus and vagina in the female.
• The cranial part of rectum, till about the level of the first coccygeal vertebra is covered by peritoneum and is attached by the mesorectum to the roof of the pelvis
• The caudal part is not covered by peritoneum and presents a dilatation, ampulla recti  (View image)