Anatomy of the Colon, Rectum, Anus, and Pelvic Floor

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the European Manual of Medicine book series (EUROMANUAL)

Abstract

Detailed knowledge of clinical anatomy is an indispensable prerequisite for the diagnosis and therapy of coloproctological diseases. Therefore this chapter presents the essential aspects of the anatomy of the colon, rectum, anal canal, and pelvic floor that are relevant for coloproctologists. Anatomy is described for the different colonic segments, rectal ampulla, upper and lower anal canal, corpus cavernosum recti, proctodeal glands, anal sphincter complex, and pelvic floor muscles. The anatomic structures mediating anal continence are highlighted. Special emphasis is given to topographical aspects and anatomic landmarks relevant for surgical approaches. Access routes to both autonomic and somatic nerves, as well as blood supply and lymphatic drainage, are addressed for each anatomic compartment. In particular, the topography of perirectal fasciae and spaces and their relationship to pelvic autonomic nerves are described in detail to meet the criteria for nerve-sparing total mesorectal excision. Finally, the anatomical peculiarities of the pelvic floor levels (subperitoneal, ischioanal, and perianal spaces) are presented and set in a clinical context.

Keywords

Colon Rectum Anal canal Pelvic floor Internal anal sphincter External anal sphincter Mesorectum Rectogenital septum Levator ani muscle Proctodeal glands Hemorrhoidal plexus Enteric nervous system Pelvic autonomic nerves Mesenteric blood vessels 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Institute of Anatomy, Center of Clinical AnatomyChristian-Albrechts University KielKielGermany

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