ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam

The sigmoid colon is the correct answer as it is the section of the large intestine that is situated between the descending colon and the rectum. The sigmoid colon has a distinct S-shaped curve and plays a crucial role in storing fecal material until it is ready to be expelled from the body. Its location is significant, as it connects the lower part of the colon to the rectum, facilitating the movement of waste material towards elimination.

The transverse colon runs horizontally across the upper abdomen and is not positioned between the descending colon and the rectum. The cecum is located at the beginning of the large intestine, where it connects to the ileum of the small intestine, and the appendix is a small pouch attached to the cecum, neither of which are in the pathway between the descending colon and rectum. Understanding the anatomy of the large intestine is essential for grasping how different parts of the gastrointestinal tract function and interact in the process of digestion and waste elimination.