Corrugator cutis ani muscle

Cunningham's Text-book of anatomy (1914)

Corrugator cutis ani muscle is a small, thin, subcutaneous muscle that is found in the skin of the anus region. It is also known as the corrugator cutis ani or the corrugator muscle of the anus.

Etymology

The term "corrugator" is derived from the Latin word "corrugare", which means "to wrinkle". "Cutis" is Latin for "skin", and "ani" refers to the anus. Therefore, the term "corrugator cutis ani" can be translated as "the muscle that wrinkles the skin of the anus".

Anatomy

The corrugator cutis ani muscle is a small, thin muscle that is located in the subcutaneous tissue of the skin around the anus. It is attached to the dermis and the external anal sphincter. When it contracts, it causes the skin around the anus to wrinkle.

Function

The primary function of the corrugator cutis ani muscle is to assist in the closure of the anus. It does this by wrinkling the skin around the anus, which helps to tighten the external anal sphincter and prevent the leakage of feces.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the corrugator cutis ani muscle can lead to problems with bowel control, including fecal incontinence. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, childbirth, surgery, or neurological disorders.

Related terms

• Dermis
• External anal sphincter
• Fecal incontinence
• Muscle
• Anus