ANAL CANAL
MORPHOLOGY OF ANAL CANAL
- The anal canal is a short tubular passage leading from the rectum to the anus.
- It is approximately 3-4 cm in length and is situated in the pelvic floor.
- The upper part of the anal canal is surrounded by the rectal muscles, while the lower part is surrounded by the external anal sphincter.
- The anal canal opens into the ischioanal fossa, which is a diamond-shaped space.
RELATIONS OF ANAL CANAL
- The anal canal is related to the rectum, external anal sphincter, and the ischioanal fossa.
- It is also related to the internal pudendal vessels and nerves.
- The anal canal is surrounded by the levator ani and coccygeus muscles.
BLOOD SUPPLY OF ANAL CANAL
- The blood supply of the anal canal is provided by the inferior rectal artery, which is a branch of the internal pudendal artery.
- The inferior rectal artery supplies oxygenated blood to the anal canal.
NERVE SUPPLY OF ANAL CANAL
- The nerve supply of the anal canal is provided by the inferior rectal nerve, which is a branch of the pudendal nerve.
- The inferior rectal nerve supplies sensory and motor fibers to the anal canal.
APPLIED ANATOMY OF ANAL CANAL
- The anal canal is an important structure for defecation.
- The external anal sphincter surrounds the lower part of the anal canal, which helps to maintain continence.
- The internal anal sphincter surrounds the upper part of the anal canal, which helps to maintain continence and regulate defecation.