Abstract
Anorectal physiology deals with the defecatory function, which consists of the release of intestinal gas and feces through the anus. The control of the appropriate time and place of defecation is a complex mechanism of anal continence. In this chapter, the physiological mechanisms involved in the control of defecation and continence will be reviewed.
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
References
Lestar B, Penninckx F, Kerremans R (1989) The composition of anal basal pressure: an in vivo and in vitro study in man. Int J Colorectal Dis 4:118–122
Lowry AC, Simmang CL, Boulos P et al (2001) Consensus statement of definition for anorectal physiology and rectal cancer. Colorectal Dis 3:272–275
Wexner DS, Zbar A, Pescatori M (2005) Complex anorectal disorders. Investigation and management. Springer, London
Lund JN, Scholefield JH (1996) Aetiology and treatment of anal fissure. Br J Surg 83:1335–1344
Shafik A (1975) A new concept of the anatomy of the anal sphincter mechanism and the physiology of defecation. The external anal sphincter: a triple-loop system. Invest Urol 12:412–419
Shafik A (1987) A concept of the anatomy of the anal sphincter mechanism and the physiology of defecation. Dis Colon Rectum Dec 30:970–982
Cherry DA, Rotenberger DA (1988) Pelvic floor physiology. SurgClin North Am 68:1217–1230
Duthie HL, Watts JM (1965) Contribution of the external anal sphincter to the pressure zone in the anal canal. Gut 6:64–68
Parks AG, Porter NH, Hardcastle J (1966) The syndrome of the descending perineum. Proc R Soc Med 59:477–482
Bannister JJ, Gibbons C, Read NW (1987) Preservation of fecal incontinence during rises in intra-abdominal pressure: is there a role for the flap valve? Gut 28:1242–1245
Bartolo DCC, Roe AM, Locke-Edmunds JC et al (1986) Flap-valve theory of anorectal continence. Br J Surg 73:1012–1014
Altomare DF, Rinaldi M, Veglia A et al (2001) Contribution of posture to the maintenance of anal continence. Int J Colorectal Dis 16:51–54
Thomson WH (1975) The nature of haemorrhoids. Br J Surg 62:542–552
Altomare DF, Rinaldi M, Cuccia F et al (2009) Fecal incontinence: up to date on pathophysiology and treatment. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol 55:379–384
Andrews CN, Storr M (2011) The pathophysiology of chronic constipation. Can J gastroenterol 25:16B–21B
Furness JB (2012) The enteric nervous system and neurogastroenterology. Nat Rev 9:286–294
Berne RM, Levy MN, Koeppen BM, Stanton BA (2009) Physiology, V edn. Elsevier, New York, USA
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2014 Springer-Verlag Italia
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Giannini, I., Di Lena, M., Giuratrabocchetta, S., Altomare, D.F. (2014). Anorectal Physiology. In: Gaspari, A.L., Sileri, P. (eds) Pelvic Floor Disorders: Surgical Approach. Updates in Surgery. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5441-7_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5441-7_5
Publisher Name: Springer, Milano
Print ISBN: 978-88-470-5440-0
Online ISBN: 978-88-470-5441-7
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)