Inflamed colon and rectum. Coloured X-ray of part of the colon and the rectum (both orange) in a patient with haemorrhagic rectocolitis. The colon (large intestine) and rectum are the final parts of the digestive system. Haemorrhagic rectocolitis refers to a condition where the colon and rectum are inflamed and bleeding. This can be a precursor state for colon cancer. The X-ray also shows the bones of the lower spine (down left) and of the left half of the pelvis (lower right).