title: Anorectal anatomy and embryology.
abstract: The anal canal is complex in its anatomy and its embryologic origin. The intricate and changing histology of the anal canal explains the different types of anal cancer. In addition, an understanding of the venous and the lymphatic drainage of the anal canal helps to explain its methods of dissemination. Finally, the basis for the treatment of anal cancer is derived from the cancer's anatomic origins.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Nadav
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dujovny
authors.forename: Roderick M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Quiros
authors.forename: Theodore J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Saclarides
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000196:embryology; D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D019160:Endosonography; D006801:Humans; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012007:Rectum / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000196:embryology