It is situated between the rectum and anus,[2] below the level of the pelvic diaphragm. It lies in the anal triangle of perineum in between the right and left ischioanal fossa.
The anal canal is divided into three parts. The zona columnaris is the upper half of the canal and is lined by simple columnar epithelium. The lower half of the anal canal, below the pectinate line, is divided into two zones separated by Hilton 's white line. The two parts are the zona hemorrhagica and zona cutanea, lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized and stratified squamous keratinized, respectively.
In humans it is approximately 2.5 to 4 cm long, extending from the anorectal junction to the anus. It is directed downwards and backwards. It is surrounded by inner involuntary and outer voluntary sphincters which keep the lumen closed in the form of an anteroposterior slit.
It is differentiated from the rectum by the transition of the internal surface from endodermal to skinlike ectodermal tissue.
Contents [hide]
1 Upper and lower divisions
2 Surgical spaces related to the anal canal
3 Additional images
4 See also
5 References
6 External links
Upper and lower divisions[edit]
The anal canal is divided into two unequal sections, upper and lower.
The upper 2/3 has longitudinal folds or elevations of tunica mucosa. Its mucosa is lined by simple columnar epithelium. Its lower ends are joined together by folds of mucus membrane called anal valves. The upper 2/3 of the anal canal is supplied by the superior rectal artery which is a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery.
The lower 1/3 of the anal canal is lined by stratified squamous epithelium that blends with the skin. The lower third of the anal canal is supplied by the inferior rectal artery which is a branch of the internal pudendal artery.
A whitish line called Hilton 's white line or pecten of Jon Stroud
References: Anatomy of torso, digestive system: Gastrointestinal tract, excluding mouth (TA A05.3–7, TH H3.04.02-04, GA 11.1141) Upper GI