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Rectum - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 08:32, 17 July 2008
, 08:32, 17 July 2008no edit summary
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==Vasculature==
−==Innervation==
−*Animals may defeacate when they are frightened.
−
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
−The rectum lies between the terminal portion of the descending colon and anus. It is empty most of the time, except after the mass movements of the large intestine which move faeces into the rectum.
+The rectum lies between the terminal portion of the descending colon and anus. It is empty most of the time, except after the mass movements of the large intestine which move faeces into the rectum. This stimulates defeaction, which may happen when an animal is frightened.
==Structure==
==Structure==
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**Some species (see species differences) are able to voluntarily keep the external anal sphincter closed if defeacation is not suitable for the situation.
**Some species (see species differences) are able to voluntarily keep the external anal sphincter closed if defeacation is not suitable for the situation.
***This reduces the defeaction reflex and reduces the conscious perception of needing to empty the bowel, until another mass movement occurs and a fresh reflex is created.
***This reduces the defeaction reflex and reduces the conscious perception of needing to empty the bowel, until another mass movement occurs and a fresh reflex is created.
−==Histology==
==Histology==