What it means
The outlet of the bowel, at the end of the rectumREK-tumThe last part of the large intestine, between the colon and the anus, where stool is held until it leaves the body.Full entry . Two ring muscles (the internal and external anal sphincterSFINGK-terA ring of muscle that tightens to close an opening or passage in the body and relaxes to open it.Full entry ) keep it closed until a person chooses to pass stool. Problems in this area include hemorrhoidHEM-uh-roydA swollen vein in or around the anus or lower rectum.Full entry , small tears (fissures) and abscesses.
For the nurse
Rectal temperatures, suppositories and enemas go through the anus; use lubricant, go gently and avoid them when they are not allowed, such as in clients with low platelets or low white cell counts.
At a glance
| Spanish | ano |
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Related terms
rectum
The last part of the large intestine, between the colon and the anus, where stool is held until it leaves the body.
stool
Solid waste passed from the bowel through the anus; also called feces.
sphincter
A ring of muscle that tightens to close an opening or passage in the body and relaxes to open it.
hemorrhoid
A swollen vein in or around the anus or lower rectum.
proct/o
A word root that means anus and rectum; rect/o means rectum.