Editing Colon and rectum (section)

=== '''Sigmoid colon''' ===

*** Begins at or below the level of the iliac crest, where the colon becomes completely intra-peritoneal
*** Covered on both sides with peritoneum and has a mesentery
**** Attached by the sigmoid mesocolon to the posterior abdominal wall and pelvis in an inverted V, creating the inter-sigmoid fossa
***** Left limb passes downwards along left edge of vertebral column
***** Right limb passes downwards towards the midline and terminates at around S3 level
**** This mesenteric fold is a good surgical landmark for the underlying left ureter and bifurcation of left CIA, as the ureter crosses over the iliac vessels at the apex
*** Thicker and more mobile compared to the descending colon
*** Varies in length from 15-50cm (average 38cm)
*** Ends at the rectosigmoid junction (see below)

**