Biomaterial Database

Anorectal anatomy and physiology. 2010

Andrew Barleben, and Steven Mills

Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA.

The rectum and anal canal form the last portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The rectum serves as a reservoir for fecal contents, and the anal canal regulates continence and defecation via synchronization of events regulated by complex interactions between sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, striated and smooth muscle, and environmental factors. Normal function can be compromised by various pathologies. Investigation into these pathologies includes a detailed history and thorough physical exam and can be augmented by a number of different studies, including manometry, electromyelography, defecography, nerve stimulation, and compliance. Some of these techniques have incorporated the use of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009092	Mucous Membrane	An EPITHELIUM with MUCUS-secreting cells, such as GOBLET CELLS. It forms the lining of many body cavities, such as the DIGESTIVE TRACT, the RESPIRATORY TRACT, and the reproductive tract. Mucosa, rich in blood and lymph vessels, comprises an inner epithelium, a middle layer (lamina propria) of loose CONNECTIVE TISSUE, and an outer layer (muscularis mucosae) of SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS that separates the mucosa from submucosa.	Lamina Propria,Mucosa,Mucosal Tissue,Muscularis Mucosae,Mucous Membranes,Membrane, Mucous,Membranes, Mucous,Mucosae, Muscularis,Mucosal Tissues,Propria, Lamina,Tissue, Mucosal,Tissues, Mucosal
D012007	Rectum	The distal segment of the LARGE INTESTINE, between the SIGMOID COLON and the ANAL CANAL.	Rectums
D005242	Fecal Incontinence	Failure of voluntary control of the anal sphincters, with involuntary passage of feces and flatus.	Bowel Incontinence,Fecal Soiling,Incontinence, Bowel,Incontinence, Fecal,Soilings, Fecal
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001003	Anal Canal	The terminal segment of the LARGE INTESTINE, beginning from the ampulla of the RECTUM and ending at the anus.	Anal Gland, Human,Anal Sphincter,Anus,Anal Gland,Anal Glands, Human,Detrusor External Sphincter,External Anal Sphincter,Internal Anal Sphincter,Anal Sphincter, External,Anal Sphincter, Internal,Anal Sphincters,Detrusor External Sphincters,External Anal Sphincters,Human Anal Gland,Human Anal Glands,Internal Anal Sphincters,Sphincter, Anal,Sphincter, Detrusor External,Sphincter, External Anal,Sphincter, Internal Anal,Sphincters, Anal
D017773	Pelvic Floor	Soft tissue formed mainly by the pelvic diaphragm, which is composed of the two levator ani and two coccygeus muscles. The pelvic diaphragm lies just below the pelvic aperture (outlet) and separates the pelvic cavity from the PERINEUM. It extends between the PUBIC BONE anteriorly and the COCCYX posteriorly.	Pelvic Diaphragm,Diaphragm, Pelvic,Diaphragms, Pelvic,Floor, Pelvic,Pelvic Diaphragms
D054792	Muscle, Striated	One of two types of muscle in the body, characterized by the array of bands observed under microscope. Striated muscles can be divided into two subtypes: the CARDIAC MUSCLE and the SKELETAL MUSCLE.	Striated Muscle,Muscles, Striated,Striated Muscles