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Physiology of the Rectum and Anus

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Colon, Rectum and Anus: Anatomic, Physiologic and Diagnostic Bases for Disease Management

Part of the book series: Coloproctology ((COLOPROCT,volume 1))

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Abstract

The anorectal area is a complex area where autonomic and somatic structures coordinate to maintain continence and to regulate defecation. The fecal bolus entering the rectum is perceived, and by a reflex mechanism, the internal anal sphincter relaxes and allows the content to enter the proximal anal canal, where depending on content and situation conscious relaxation or contraction of the external anal sphincter and puborectal muscle will follow.

With anal endosonography or MRI, the integrity of the sphincters and pelvic floor can be established. The physiology of the anus and rectum can be tested with anal manometry. This allows measuring of the anal resting and squeeze pressure. Furthermore, relaxation during attempted defecation and the distention reflex can be observed. The process of defecation can be observed with defecography.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Richelle J. F. Felt-Bersma

Authors
  1. Richelle J. F. Felt-Bersma
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Correspondence to Richelle J. F. Felt-Bersma .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Catholic University, Department of Surgical Sciences, Proctology Unit, Rome, Italy

    Carlo Ratto

  2. Department of Surgical Sciences, Proctology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy

    Angelo Parello

  3. Department of Surgical Sciences, Proctology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy

    Lorenza Donisi

  4. Department of Surgical Sciences, Proctology Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy

    Francesco Litta

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Felt-Bersma, R.J.F. (2017). Physiology of the Rectum and Anus. In: Ratto, C., Parello, A., Donisi, L., Litta, F. (eds) Colon, Rectum and Anus: Anatomic, Physiologic and Diagnostic Bases for Disease Management. Coloproctology, vol 1. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09807-4_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09807-4_8

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-09806-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-09807-4

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