Morphorogy of the Mucosal Epithelium in the Human Anal Canal

• Published in: Structure and Function Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 17 - 22
• Main Authors: Shimada, Tatsuo, Kawano, Mari, Shibata, Okihiko, Shimotakahara, Rie, Shimada, Kazuyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: Co-medical Research Society of Structure and Function 2006
• Subjects: anal canal; electro microscopy; light microscopy; rectum; stratified squamous epithelium
• ISSN: 1347-7145; 1884-6084
• DOI: 10.11172/keitaikinou2002.5.17

The epithelium and the lamina propria of the human anal canal were investigated by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Based on histological findings, we defined the anal canal as follows. It was a canal situated between the the anorectal junction and anal margin, ranging from 3.5 cm to 4.0cm. The anal canal was divided into the supradentate part and the infradentate part. The anus and the infradentate part consisted of the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, and keratinization of the epithelium apperared to be a less degree in the infradentate part. The supradentate part consisted of the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. In contrast with the anal canal, the rectum consisted of the simple columnar epithelium. It was concluded that the anal canal was strongly from mechanical stimulation but there was considerable risk of damaging in the rectum.