Anorectal hiatus
Hiatus anorectalis
Definition
The anorectal hiatus is opening in the pelvic diaphragm through which the rectum passes to become the anal canal.
The anorectal hiatus is bordered by the puboanalis (puborectalis) muscle, which forms a sling around the junction of the rectum and anal canal, playing a crucial role in maintaining continence by creating the anorectal angle. The anorectal hiatus is significant in both normal defecatory function and in various pathological conditions, such as pelvic organ prolapse and anorectal malformations.
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