Sigmoid colon

Sigmoid colon
Drawing of colon seen from front
(sigmoid colon coloured blue)
Front of abdomen, showing surface markings for liver, stomach and large intestine
Details
PrecursorHindgut
Part ofLarge intestine
SystemDigestive system
ArterySigmoid branches of inferior mesenteric artery, sigmoid arteries, internal iliac artery
NerveInferior mesenteric ganglia and sacral nerve[1]
Identifiers
Latincolon sigmoideum
MeSHD012809
TA98A05.7.03.007
TA22987
FMA14548
Anatomical terminology

The sigmoid colon (or pelvic colon) is the part of the large intestine that is closest to the rectum and anus. It forms a loop that averages about 35–40 centimetres (14–16 in) in length. The loop is typically shaped like a Greek letter sigma (ς) or Latin letter S (thus sigma + -oid). This part of the colon normally lies within the pelvis, but due to its freedom of movement it is liable to be displaced into the abdominal cavity.[2]

  1. ^ Nosek, Thomas M. "Section 6/6ch2/s6ch2_30". Essentials of Human Physiology. Archived from the original on 2016-03-24.
  2. ^ Harkins, JM; Sajjad, H. "Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Sigmoid Colon". National Center for Biotechnology Information. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island, FL. Retrieved 31 January 2024.