Anal sinuses

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Rectal sinus)

Anal sinuses are small depressions or cavities that are located in the anal canal. They are also known as anal crypts or crypts of Morgagni, named after the Italian anatomist Giovanni Battista Morgagni who first described them.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "sinus" comes from the Latin word "sinus", which means "bend" or "curve". The term "anal" is derived from the Latin word "anus", which means "ring" or "circle". The term "crypt" comes from the Greek word "kryptos", which means "hidden". The term "Morgagni" is derived from the surname of the Italian anatomist Giovanni Battista Morgagni.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Anal sinuses are located in the upper half of the anal canal, above the pectinate line. They are small, tubular, and extend upwards and inwards from the surface of the anal canal. They are lined with columnar epithelium and are surrounded by anal glands which secrete mucus into the sinuses. This mucus helps to lubricate the anal canal and facilitate the passage of feces.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Anal sinuses and the associated anal glands can become infected or blocked, leading to conditions such as anal abscess or anal fistula. These conditions can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discharge from the anus, and may require surgical treatment.

Related terms[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

Anal sinuses Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD