In humans , the anus from Latin anus meaning "ring", "circle" [1] [2] is the external opening of the rectum , located inside the intergluteal cleft and separated from the genitals by the perineum. Two sphincters control the exit of feces from the body during an act of defecation , which is the primary function of the anus. These are the internal anal sphincter and the external anal sphincter , which are circular muscles that normally maintain constriction of the orifice and which relaxes as required by normal physiological functioning. The inner sphincter is involuntary and the outer is voluntary. It is located behind the perineum which is located behind the vagina or scrotum. In part owing to its exposure to feces, a number of medical conditions may affect the anus such as hemorrhoids. With anal sex , the anus can play a role in sexuality. Attitudes towards anal sex vary and it is illegal in some countries.
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The rectum refers to the last four or five inches of the digestive tract. The rectal outlet or opening is called the anal canal or anus. Problems in this area are common, but many adults are too shy or embarrassed to ask their doctor about them.
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Disclaimer » Advertising. Drs Srinath, Wendel, Bond, and Lowe have disclosed no financial relationships relevant to this article. Pediatr Rev February ; 35 2 : e11—e A year-old girl with a history of well-controlled constipation presents to the emergency department after having an uncomfortable, large, nonbloody bowel movement at home followed by sacral numbness and bright red blood seeping out of her rectum. Her review of systems is remarkable for 1 to 2 soft bowel movements per day with occasional cramping, painful defecation dyschezia , and sensation of incomplete evacuation tenesmus. She is premenarchal and denies any history of easy bleeding or bruising or trauma. She additionally denies constitutional symptoms, oral ulcers, heartburn, or a history of anemia. Her family history is remarkable for food allergies and developing glioblastoma multiforme on both sides of the family.
This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables. In the examination of the rectum or the female genital organs, it is the usual custom of the physician to introduce the speculum and cast the eye in proper range to view the parts exposed. In so doing, he proposes to have all the light in his favor by placing his patient on the chair with the light from the window to enter the cavity exposed. In making the examination, he must of necesity throw his head in such position to obscure to a degree the entrance of the full volume of light and beside his position is such he can take only a partial survey of the parts at one time. It occurred to me from the use of the laryngoscope a person could with ease and much more fully obtain an entire view of the rectal or vaginal passages by using the same plan as in the examination. Coronavirus Resource Center. Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience.
