anal canal

Final digestive exit

The anal canal is the terminal portion of the large intestine, extending from the rectum to the anus.

It is about an inch and a half long and serves as the passageway through which feces exit the body.

The canal contains sphincter muscles that control bowel movements.

anatomy

rectum

Terminal intestinal chamber

  • anusPosterior digestive opening
  • sphincterMuscle encircling body opening
  • colonLarge intestine section

pelvic floor · mucosa · gastrointestinal · digestive tract · peristalsis

function

defecation

Expulsion of feces

feces · elimination · voiding · evacuation · straining · bearing down · relaxation · contraction · sensation · urgency

medical

proctology

Study of rectal disorders

rectal examination · endoscopy · manometry · biopsy · gastroenterology · digital exam · sigmoidoscopy · suppository · enema · hemorrhoidectomy

pathology

hemorrhoids

Swollen anal blood vessels

prolapse · incontinence · polyps · proctitis · stenosis · thrombosis · skin tags · rectal bleeding · Crohn's disease · ulcerative colitis

Family

canal, anal

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