MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Anal fissure

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Anal fissure - series: Normal anatomy

Anal fissure - seriesIllustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indication

Incision

Procedure

The anus is a sphincter at the end of the rectum through which passes stool during defecation. The anal sphincter is a critical mechanism for control of fecal continence.

Update Date: 7/14/2006

Updated by: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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