Abstract
Although the anatomical structure of the ano-rectum provides the framework for continence, the interrelated functions of the various parts are what determines the continence status of an individual. It is not possible to isolate any constituent organ or part of the distal bowel from its immediate neighbours in regard to the efficiency with which defaecatory control is exercised. An excellent anal sphincter muscle can be totally negated, not only by colonic overactivity (e.g. in severe diarrhoeal states), but also by a sluggish inert rectum that allows faecal impaction to occur. In the same manner, a colon or rectum of impeccable performance are negated by a patulous or damaged anal sphincter.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References and Further Reading
Bartolo DCC, Read NW (1983) The role of partial denervation of the pubo-rectalis in idiopathic faecal incontinence. Br J Surg 70: 664.
Hallan RI, Marzouk DEMM, Waldron DJ, Womack NR, Williams NS (1989) Comparison of digital and manometric assessment of anal sphincter function. Br J Surg 76: 973
Henry MM (1987) Pathogenesis and management of faecal incontinence in the adult. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 16: 35–45
Henry MM, Swash M (1985) Coloproctology and the pelvic floor: physiology and management. Butterworths, London
Henry MM, Swash M (1985) Physiology of faecal continence and defaecation in coloproctology and the pelvic floor: physiology and management. Butterworths, London, Chap. 3A, pp 42–47
Kumar D, Wingate DL (1985) Colo-rectal motility in coloproctology and the pelvic floor: physiology and management. Butterworths, London, Chap. 3B, pp 47–59
Lane RHS, Parks AG (1977) Function of the anal sphincters following colo-anal anastomosis. Br J Surg 64: 596
Neill ME, Parks AG, Swash M (1981) Physiological studies of the anal sphincter musculature in faecal incontinence and rectal prolapse. Br J Surg 68: 531
Nicholls J, Glass R (1985) Coloproctology diagnosis and out-patient management. Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg and New York
Parks AG (1975) Anorectal incontinence. Proc R Soc Med 68: 681
Parks TD, Spence RAJ (1989) The colon in Scientific foundations of surgery. Ed. Kyle and Carey. Heinemann, Oxford, pp 424–426
Read NW, Bannister JJ (1985) Ano-rectal manometry: techniques in health and ano-rectal disease in Coloproctology and the pelvic floor: physiology and management. Ed. Henry and Swash. Butterworths, London, pp 65–87
Scharli AF, Kiesewetter WB (1970) Defaecation and continence: some new concepts. Dis Colon Rectum 13: 81
Thomas PA, Mann CV (1981) Alimentary sphincters and their disorders. Macmillan, London, p 17
Thompson P, quoted by Smith WC (1923) The levator ani muscle: its structure in man and its comparative relationships. Anat Ree 26: 175
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1997 Springer-Verlag London Limited
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Mann, C.V., Glass, R.E. (1997). Physiology of Anal Continence. In: Surgical Treatment of Anal Incontinence. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0935-8_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-0935-8_2
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-1239-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-0935-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive