Hindgut

Hindgut is the posterior part of the alimentary canal in many animals. In mammals, it includes the distal two-thirds of the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, and the rectum. The hindgut also includes the cecum and the ascending colon in some other animals. The hindgut is innervated by the inferior mesenteric ganglia.

Anatomy

The hindgut starts at the left colic (or splenic) flexure and ends at the anus. It includes the distal one third of the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, the rectum, and the superior part of the anal canal. The blood supply to the hindgut is by the inferior mesenteric artery, and venous drainage is by the inferior mesenteric vein. Lymph from the hindgut drains into the preaortic nodes.

Embryology

In the developing embryo, the hindgut is the portion of the tube from the distal third of the transverse colon to the cloacal membrane. It is initially closed off from the amniotic cavity by the cloacal membrane, which ruptures in the seventh week to open the anus. The hindgut gives rise to the distal third of the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon, the rectum, and the superior part of the anal canal.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the hindgut can include colorectal cancer, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of hindgut diseases can include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding.

See also

• Foregut
• Midgut
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Colon (anatomy)
• Rectum

References

Hindgut Resources
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