What does the rectum do in the digestive system?

The rectum plays a crucial role in the digestive system as the final section of the large intestine. Its primary function is to store faeces until they are expelled from the body during defecation. The rectum acts as a temporary holding chamber, allowing for the regulation of bowel movements and providing the body with a way to determine when it is appropriate to eliminate waste.

While the process of water absorption occurs in other parts of the digestive tract, such as the large intestine or colon, it is not the primary function of the rectum itself. The production of bile is a function attributed to the liver, and digestive enzymes are secreted by the pancreas and the lining of the stomach and small intestine rather than the rectum. Therefore, the rectum's role as a storage site for faeces makes it essential for proper digestive function and the elimination of waste.