The anal canal is a 4 cm (1 and a half inches) long exit path at the most terminal part of the large intestine. It is situated next to the rectum (storage place for stool). There are multiple muscles around the anal canal called the internal sphincter and external sphincter which helps in maintaining continence of stool and flatus. We have control over only external sphincter. When the bowel movements (stools) leave the body both these sphincters relax to allow the waste to pass through
Some of the common conditions that affect the anal canal are hemorrhoids, fissure, fistula in ano and perianal abscess.
The presence of submucosal tuft of blood vessels cushion is normal and helps in the continence mechanism. Hemorrhoids (piles) are swelling and engorgement of these blood vessels. When they originate inside the rectum they are termed as internal hemorrhoids and when they develop under the skin around the anus, they are called external hemorrhoids.
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