What part of the large intestine connects to the rectum?

The sigmoid colon is the correct answer because it is the segment of the large intestine that directly connects to the rectum. Positioned at the lower end of the colon, the sigmoid colon forms an S-shaped curve and leads into the rectum, which serves as the final section of the digestive tract. Its primary function is to store fecal material before it is expelled from the body.

The colon, while part of the large intestine, is a broader term that encompasses several sections, including the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. Therefore, it does not specifically indicate the portion that connects to the rectum.

The duodenum, which is part of the small intestine, does not play any role in the connection to the large intestine, as it comes before the major sections of digestion occur in the intestines.

The cecum is the initial pouch of the large intestine where the small intestine merges into the large intestine. It is not directly connected to the rectum; instead, it is located at the beginning of the colon.

Understanding these relationships is crucial in anatomy, as it clarifies the organization and functional pathways of the digestive system.