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The anus is the site of potential infections and other conditions, including cancer (see anal cancer). [4] With anal sex, the anus can play a role in sexuality. Attitudes toward anal sex vary, and it is illegal in some countries. [5] The anus is often considered a taboo part of the body, [5] and is known by many, usually vulgar, slang terms.
The combining forms reflect the rectum (recto-, -rectal) and uterus (utero-, -uterine). In Obstetrics and gynaecology, it is commonly referred to as the pouch of Douglas or the posterior cul-de-sac. [7] The Douglas fold (rectouterine plica), Douglas line, and Douglas septum are likewise named after the same James Douglas.
A rectovaginal examination is a type of gynecological examination used to supplement a pelvic examination. In the rectovaginal examination, a doctor or other health care provider places one finger in the vagina and another in the rectum to assess the rectovaginal septum. The examiner will look for any scarring or masses that may indicate cancer ...
The anal verge refers to the distal end of the anal canal, a transitional zone between the epithelium of the anal canal and the perianal skin. It should not be confused with the pectinate line between the upper and lower zones within the anal canal. The anal gland secretes lymphal discharge and built-up fecal matter from the colon lining.
The rectum receives fecal material from the descending colon, transmitted through regular muscle contractions called peristalsis. [11] As the rectal walls expand due to the materials filling it from within, stretch receptors from the nervous system located in the rectal walls stimulate the desire to pass feces, a process called defecation. [11]
A pelvic examination is the physical examination of the external and internal female pelvic organs. [1] It is frequently used in gynecology for the evaluation of symptoms affecting the female reproductive and urinary tract , such as pain, bleeding, discharge, urinary incontinence , or trauma (e.g. sexual assault).
Proctoscopy, or rectoscopy, is a common medical procedure in which an instrument called a proctoscope (also known as a rectoscope, although the latter may be a bit longer) is used to examine the anal cavity, rectum, or sigmoid colon. A proctoscope is a short, straight, rigid, hollow metal tube, and usually has a small light bulb mounted at the end.
The digital rectal examination is a relatively simple medical procedure. The patient undresses and is then placed in a position where the anus is accessible (lying on the side, squatting on the examination table, bent over it, or lying down with feet in stirrups). If the patient is lying on their side, the physician will usually have them bring ...