Page 97 - Clinical Anatomy

ECA2 7/18/06 6:42 PM Page 82

82 The abdomen and pelvis

Sacral
promontory

Symphysis Seminal vesicle
pubis Rectum
Fascia of
Prostate Denonvilliers
Anal
sphincter

Fig. 62◊Sagittal section of the rectum and its related viscera in the male.

Fig. 63◊Sagittal section of
the rectum and its related
viscera in the female.

vesicles in the male, or the vagina in the female. A layer of fascia (Denonvil-
liers) separates the rectum from the anterior structures and forms the plane
of dissection which must be sought after in excision of the rectum.
Laterally, the rectum is supported by the levator ani.

The anal canal (Fig. 64)
The anal canal is 1.5in (4cm) long and is directed downwards and back-
wards from the rectum to end at the anal orifice. The mid-anal canal repre-
sents the junction between endoderm of the hind-gut and ectoderm of the