The hindgut begins at the distal 1/3 of the transverse colon. This is marked anatomically by the splenic flexure, and is an important landmark as it is a "watershed area".
The hindgut ends at the upper rectum. Anatomically, this is marked by the pectinate line also known as the dentate line, which is a line of transition from columnar epithelium above, to stratified squamous epithelium below. In addition to this histologic differenec, gross morphologic differences also allow identification of the pectinate line.
The border between upper and lower rectum and therefore the end of the hindgut, is marked by the pectinate line, the pecs-tin-ape. The pectinate line is a line that can be visualized both grossly and on histology that represents an area of transition from culumnar epithelium above, to stratified squamous below.
The hindgut is supplied by the inferior mesenteric artery, which is the last of the three gut-supplying arteries to branch off the aorta as it is tracked inferiorly.
The pelvic plexus provides parasympathetic innervation to the hindgut.
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