Note 96 — THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM (continued 2)

The anterior part of the rectum is very variable in position and relations. It is not often median, but may be deflected either to right or left. Most often it is pushed to the left by the pelvic flexure of the colon. In other cases—especially when empty—it may lie against the right wall, and the space to the left is occupied by the small colon. The amount covered by peritoneum dorsally and laterally is very variable, and appears to be in inverse proportion to the fullness of the bowel.