Learning anatomy/Anorectum

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Large bowel - Liver

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The rectum and anus connect the large intestine to the external body. There is also an anal canal that goes between them.

Diagram showing the anatomy of the anus CRUK 282

Defecation[edit | edit source]

The function of the rectum and anus is defecation. In this section, you will learn about the defecation reflex. The rectum stores the feces that the colon made. The nerve signals then tell the brain that you need to go into the bathroom. Then the feces go into the anus. There are 2 sphincters. The first is the internal sphincter and we can't control it. The last one is the external sphincter and we control it. Babys can't control their external sphincter so they do it in their diapers.