Abstrakt

The diagnosis and treatment of proctological diseases are more successfully achieved, the better the understanding of the functional anatomy of the anorectum is. Therefore, the following contribution provides an overview of the clinically relevant anatomical structures involved in the mediation of the essential functions carried out by the anorectum – anal continence and defecation. The anorectal continence apparatus is composed of the rectal ampulla, the upper and lower anal canal including the anoderm, the anal sphincter complex and pelvic floor musculature as well as the hemorrhoidal plexus (corpus cavernosus recti). While the gross continence is mediated by the interaction of the autonomically innervated, lissomuscular internal anal sphincter and striated external anal sphincter, the hemorrhoidal plexus warrants the fine adjustment of continence. From both anatomical and clinical points of view hemorrhoidal disease should clearly be delimited from diseases of perianal veins, e.g., perianal vein thrombosis. Cryptoglandular abscesses and perianal fistula frequently result from inflamed proctodeal glands, may extend at infra- and supralevatory level and compromise the functions of the anorectal continence apparatus.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• T. Wedel

Abteilungen

• Zentrum für Klinische Anatomie, Anatomisches Institut, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

Adresse

Prof. Dr. med. Thilo Wedel
Anatomisches Institut
Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
Otto-Hahn-Platz 8
D–24118 Kiel
Email: [email protected]

Citation