Rektaalse

Rektaalse is a medical adjective used in Dutch and Afrikaans to denote relation to the rectum, the final segment of the large intestine. In English-language medical terminology, the corresponding term is rectal. The form is commonly found in clinical descriptions, exams, and procedures pertaining to the rectum itself or conditions affecting it.

The rectum lies in the pelvic cavity and begins where the sigmoid colon ends, extending to the anal canal for about 12 centimeters. Its wall comprises mucosa, submucosa, muscular layers, and surrounding connective tissue. The rectal ampulla functions as a temporary reservoir before defecation. The mucosa above the pectinate line is typically columnar, while below it the epithelium becomes stratified squamous in the anal canal. Blood supply is via the superior rectal artery, with venous drainage to the portal system through the superior rectal vein; lymphatics drain to mesorectal and iliac nodes. The internal and external anal sphincters regulate continence, coordinating with pelvic floor muscles during defecation.

In medical practice, rektaalse terminology appears in procedures and examinations such as digital rectal examination (DRE), rectoscopy or proctoscopy, and rectal imaging. Rectal issues include hemorrhoids, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and rectal cancer. Rectal cancer is a form of colorectal cancer where tumors arise in the rectal lining and may be treated with surgery (such as low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection), along with radiotherapy or chemotherapy as indicated. The term rektaalse is thus used to specify elements related to the rectum in clinical and anatomical discussions.

See also: rectum, anorectal anatomy, rectoscopy, proctology.