Sigmoid colon

The human colon:

Overview of the human gastrointestinal tract

The sigmoid colon, also called the sigmoid loop, sigmoid colon, or sigmoid, is the fourth and final part of the human large intestine (colon, colon ).

Anatomy

Course

The sigmoid colon is located between the descending colon ( " descending colon " ) and the rectum ( rectum ). The intestine curve corresponds in most people a twisted shape S- curve that rises starting from the descending colon at about the level of the left iliac wing again and then a twisted shape curve takes down until the upper end of the rectum reaches the level of the sacrum is. The sigmoid colon in this case runs entirely within the peritoneum ( intraperitoneal), its upper third is thereby fixed with delicate adhesions at the posterior peritoneum ( retroperitoneal ) of the left iliac wing. The length of the sigmoid colon is variable.

Blood supply

The arterial supply of the sigmoid colon is done from the sigmoid arteries that originate from the inferior mesenteric artery. These shares a few inches to their immediate departure from the abdominal aorta into the left colic artery artery ( supplying the descending colon ), the sigmoid artery and the superior rectal artery (for supply of the rectum ) on. Running within the mesentery ( mesentery ) cross-links between adjacent service areas ( anastomosing arcades ) form a well-perfused supply vessel bow and provide a reserve supply of blood flow to the sigmoid colon safe even with occlusion of the sigmoid arteries.

Venous drainage is via the inferior mesenteric vein, the first, the middle colic artery, vein accompanies upward and then, retroperitoneal behind the pancreas, the splenic vein and thus opens the portal circulation.

Function

The function of the sigmoid is to further digestion and " portioning " of the digestion residues be excreted. This must be left for further removal of water for a while in the rectum. After it has been emptied can, the sigmoid " replenishment " enter the rectum.

The surgical removal of the sigmoid colon ( sigmoid ) has therefore in many cases initially increased hydrous, pasty or liquid stool result. However, the high functional flexibility of the colon usually leads very quickly to a complete normalization of digestive activity.

Disease of the sigmoid colon

• Sigmadivertikulose
• Sigmoid diverticulitis
• Colon Cancer