SIGMOID FLEXURE Meaning and
Definition
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A sigmoid flexure, also known as sigmoid colon or sigmoid loop, refers to a specific anatomical feature found in the large intestine of humans and some animals. It is a distinct U-shaped bend or curve located towards the end of the colon, between the descending colon and rectum.
The sigmoid flexure is characterized by its distinctive shape, resembling the letter "S" or the Greek letter sigma (Σ). This shape occurs due to the contraction and relaxation of the colon's smooth muscles, which helps propel fecal matter towards the rectum for elimination. The sigmoid flexure plays a crucial role in the process of defecation, as it slows down the movement of stool, allowing for the absorption of excess water and nutrients.
The sigmoid flexure is lined with colonic mucosa, which contains numerous glands that secrete mucus to aid in the passage of stool. It is also rich in blood vessels, supplying oxygen and nutrients, and aiding in the removal of waste products. The flexure's position in the lower abdomen allows for the absorption of water and electrolytes from the stool, resulting in the formation of a more solid waste product.
Disorders involving the sigmoid flexure can cause discomfort, such as intermittent pain, bloating, or constipation. Medical conditions like diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or colorectal cancer can affect this region, requiring medical intervention. In severe cases, when medical treatments fail to address these complications, surgical interventions may be necessary to correct or remove the sigmoid flexure.
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Colon sigmoideum, S romanum; the lower curved portion of the colon, from the level of the crest of the ilium to its junction with the rectum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SIGMOID FLEXURE
- aigmoid flexure
- zigmoid flexure
- xigmoid flexure
- digmoid flexure
- eigmoid flexure
- wigmoid flexure
- sugmoid flexure
- sjgmoid flexure
- skgmoid flexure
- sogmoid flexure
- s9gmoid flexure
- s8gmoid flexure
- sifmoid flexure
- sivmoid flexure
- sibmoid flexure
- sihmoid flexure
- siymoid flexure
- sitmoid flexure
- signoid flexure
Etymology of SIGMOID FLEXURE
The word "sigmoid" originates from the Greek word "sigmoeidēs", which literally means "shaped like the letter sigma (ς)". Sigma (Σ) is the eighteenth letter of the Greek alphabet and resembles the Latin letter "S". The sigmoid flexure is a structure in the intestines that has an "S" shape, hence the term "sigmoid".
"Flexure" comes from the Latin word "flectere", meaning "to bend" or "to curve". It refers to a bend or curve in a structure. In the case of the sigmoid flexure, it describes the curved or bent portion of the intestines known as sigmoid.
Similar spelling words for SIGMOID FLEXURE
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