Anal canal

Structure

In humans, the anal canal is approximately 2.5 to 4 cm (0.98 to 1.57 in) long, from the anorectal junction to the anus. It is directed downwards and backwards. It is surrounded by inner involuntary and outer voluntary sphincters which keep the lumen closed in the form of an anteroposterior slit.

The canal is differentiated from the rectum by a transition along the internal surface from endodermal to skin-like ectodermal tissue.

The anal canal is traditionally divided into two segments, upper and lower, separated by the pectinate line (also known as the dentate line):

• upper zone (zona columnaris)
  • mucosa is lined by simple columnar epithelium
  • features longitudinal folds or elevations of tunica mucosa which are joined inferiorly by folds of mucous membrane known as anal valves
  • supplied by the superior rectal artery (a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery)
• lower zone
  • divided into two smaller zones, separated by a white line known as the Hilton's line:
    • zona hemorrhagica - lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium
    • zona cutanea - lined by stratified squamous keratinized epithelium, which blends with the surrounding perianal skin
  • supplied by the inferior rectal artery (a branch of the internal pudendal artery)

The anal verge refers to the distal end of the anal canal, a transitional zone between the epithelium of the anal canal and the perianal skin. It should not be confused with the pectinate line between the upper and lower zones within the anal canal.

The anal gland secretes lymphal discharge and built-up fecal matter from the colon lining. In some animals this gland expungement can be done routinely every 24–36 months to prevent infection and fistula formation.

Relations

• The ischioanal fossa are on each side of the anal canal.
• The perianal space surrounds the anal canal below the white line.
• The submucous space of the canal lies above the white line between the mucous membrane and internal anal sphincter muscle.