Factors Affecting the Intestinal Physiology

Reference work entry
First Online:
Part of the Coloproctology book series (COLOPROCT, volume 1)

Abstract

The main functions of the colorectum are transport and storage of feces and absorption of water, electrolytes, and short-chain fatty acids. The main functions of the anal canal are to prevent involuntary defecation while opening during defecation at an appropriate time and place. Colorectal or anal function is affected by several physiological factors including diet, exercise, sleep, age, hormonal status, and childbirth. Abnormal colorectal or anal function is caused by or associated with neurological disease, connective tissue disease, diabetes, bile acid malabsorption, surgery, irradiation therapy, inflammation, various types of commonly used medication, or psychiatric disease. In a large proportion of patients, symptoms of colorectal and anal dysfunction remain idiopathic.

Keywords

Bile Acid Irritable Bowel Syndrome Fecal Incontinence Anal Sphincter Anal Canal 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Neurogastroenterology Unit, Department of Hepatology and GastroenterologyAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark

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