Abstract
The main functions of the colorectum are transport and storage of feces and absorption of water, electrolytes, and short-chain fatty acids. The main functions of the anal canal are to prevent involuntary defecation while opening during defecation at an appropriate time and place. Colorectal or anal function is affected by several physiological factors including diet, exercise, sleep, age, hormonal status, and childbirth. Abnormal colorectal or anal function is caused by or associated with neurological disease, connective tissue disease, diabetes, bile acid malabsorption, surgery, irradiation therapy, inflammation, various types of commonly used medication, or psychiatric disease. In a large proportion of patients, symptoms of colorectal and anal dysfunction remain idiopathic.
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Krogh, K., Fassov, J. (2017). Factors Affecting the Intestinal Physiology. In: Ratto, C., Parello, A., Donisi, L., Litta, F. (eds) Colon, Rectum and Anus: Anatomic, Physiologic and Diagnostic Bases for Disease Management. Coloproctology, vol 1. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09807-4_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09807-4_9
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Online ISBN: 978-3-319-09807-4
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