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What Is a Sigmoid?

Elena Rostova • • 7 min read
What Is a Sigmoid?

The sigmoid colon is the terminal portion of the large intestine before reaching the rectum. It connects the descending colon

descending colon
The descending colon stores feces that will eventually be emptied into the rectum. The sigmoid colon contracts to increase the pressure inside the colon, causing the stool to move into the rectum. The rectum holds the feces awaiting elimination by defecation.
with the rectum. The sigmoid colon derives its name from a Greek letter sigma.

What does sigmoid colon do?

The sigmoid colon is the last section of the bowel — the part that attaches to the rectum. It's about a foot and a half long (around 40 centimeters) and is shaped like the letter “s.” Its job is to hold feces until you're ready to go to the bathroom. The sigmoid contains a lot of muscle tissue.

What is the difference between a sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy?

The difference between the two tests is the part of the colon they allow the doctor to see. A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive, because it only looks at the lower part of your colon. A colonoscopy looks at the entire large intestine.

Elena Rostova
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Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.