Conjoint longitudinal muscle

Conjoint Longitudinal Muscle (CLM) is a muscle that is part of the human anatomy and is located in the rectum. It is a smooth muscle layer that is found in the innermost part of the rectum, and it plays a crucial role in the process of defecation.

Anatomy

The Conjoint Longitudinal Muscle is a thin layer of smooth muscle that runs longitudinally along the inner surface of the rectum. It is formed by the fusion of the longitudinal muscle layers of the anal canal and the rectum. The muscle is located between the mucosa and the submucosa of the rectum.

Function

The primary function of the Conjoint Longitudinal Muscle is to aid in the process of defecation. It does this by contracting and relaxing, which helps to push the feces out of the body. The muscle also plays a role in maintaining fecal continence, which is the ability to control the release of feces.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities or damage to the Conjoint Longitudinal Muscle can lead to a variety of medical conditions. These include fecal incontinence, which is the inability to control bowel movements, and rectal prolapse, which is a condition where the rectum slips out of place and protrudes from the anus.

See Also

• Anal canal
• Rectum
• Smooth muscle
• Fecal incontinence
• Rectal prolapse