anal canal

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Introduction

The terminal portion of the alimentary canal; ca.4cm in length, begining at the anorectal junction where the rectal ampulla narrows at the level of the U-shaped sling formed by the puborectalis muscle. The canal ends at the anus. The anal canal is collapsed except during passage of feces.

More general terms

Additional terms

References

  1. Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 4th edition, KL Moore & AF Dalley (eds), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA 1999.
  2. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999.