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The internal anal sphincter can not close the anal canal completely

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Abstract

We determined the maximum closing capability of the internal anal sphincter muscle ring in vitro and in vivo. The internal sphincter, 4 to 6 mm thick, cannot close the anal canal hermetically, not even during maximal contraction. The blood-filled anal cushions have to till up an intrasphincteric gap of at least 7 to 8 mm in diameter.

Résumé

Nous avons déterminé la capacité maximale de fermeture du sphincter anal interne in vitro et in vivo. Le sphincter interne (4 à 6 mm d'épaisseur) ne peut occlure hermétiquement le canal anal même durant la contraction anale maximale. Les coussinets anaux remplis de sang ont a remplir un vide intra-sphinctérique d'au moins 7 à 8 mm de diamètre.

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Lestar, B., Penninckx, F., Rigauts, H. et al. The internal anal sphincter can not close the anal canal completely. Int J Colorect Dis 7, 159–161 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00360358

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00360358

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