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The anus is the site of potential infections and other conditions, including cancer (see anal cancer). [4] With anal sex, the anus can play a role in sexuality. Attitudes toward anal sex vary, and it is illegal in some countries. [5] The anus is often considered a taboo part of the body, [5] and is known by many, usually vulgar, slang terms.
In humans, the anal canal is approximately 2.5 to 4 cm (0.98 to 1.57 in) long, from the anorectal junction to the anus. [2] [3] [4] It is directed downwards and backwards.. It is surrounded by inner involuntary and outer voluntary sphincters which keep the lumen closed in the form of an anteroposterior sl
The internal anal sphincter, IAS, or sphincter ani internus is a ring of smooth muscle that surrounds about 2.5–4.0 cm of the anal canal.It is about 5 mm thick, and is formed by an aggregation of the smooth (involuntary) circular muscle fibers of the rectum.
The human rectum is a part of the lower gastrointestinal tract. The rectum is a continuation of the sigmoid colon, and connects to the anus. The rectum follows the shape of the sacrum and ends in an expanded section called an ampulla where feces is stored before its release via the anal canal.
3D medical illustration presenting levator ani. The levator ani is a broad, thin muscle group, situated on either side of the pelvis.It is formed from three muscle components: the pubococcygeus, the iliococcygeus, and the puborectalis.
The external anal sphincter is far more substantial than the internal anal sphincter. The proximal portion of external anal sphincter overlaps the internal anal sphincter (which terminates distally a little distance proximal to the anal orifice) superficially; where the two overlap, they are separated by the intervening conjoint longitudinal muscle.
It is an important anatomical landmark in humans, and forms the boundary between the anal canal and the rectum according to the anatomic definition. [1] Colorectal surgeons instead define the anal canal as the zone from the anal verge to the anorectal ring (palpable structure formed by the external anal sphincter and the puborectalis muscle). [1]
The anocutaneous line represents the transition point from non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of the anal canal to keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of the anus and perianal skin. [3] In live persons, the color of the line is white, hence the alternative name. It is named for John Hilton. [4]