EMBRYOLOGY AND ANATOMY

developing during the fourth week of gestation

derived from the endoderm and divided into three segments:
foregut, midgut, and hindgut
midgut and hindgut contribute to the colon, rectum, and anus
midgut develops into the small intestine, ascending colon, and
proximal transverse colon, and receives blood supply from the
superior mesenteric artery
The hindgut develops into the distal transverse colon,
descending colon, rectum, and proximal anus
 Anatomy
NORMAL PHYSIOLOGY

Fluid and Electrolyte Exchanges

Water, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, and Ammonia
Short-Chain Fatty Acids
(acetate, butyrate, and propionate) are produced by bacterial
fermentation of dietary carbohydrates.
Colonic Microflora and Intestinal Gas
Motility, Defecation, and Continence
Motility
Defecation (involving colonic mass movement, increased intra-
abdominal and rectal pressure, and relaxation of the pelvic floor)
Continence (requires adequate rectal wall, neurogenic control of
the pelvic floorand sphincter mechanism and functional internal
and external sphincter muscles)
CLINICAL EVALUATION

Pathology and Classification

Endoscopy
Anoscopy
Proctoscopy
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy
Capsule Endoscopy

Imaging
Plain X-Rays and Contrast Studies
Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography Colonography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Positron Emission Tomography.
Angiography