title: Anorectal physiology and pathophysiology in the elderly.
abstract: Anorectal medical disorders facing the elderly include fecal incontinence, fecal impaction with overflow fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, dyssynergic defecation, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and pelvic floor disorders. This article discusses the latest advances in age-related changes in morphology and function of anal sphincter, changes in cellular and molecular biology, alterations in neurotransmitters and reflexes, and their impact on functional changes of the anorectum in the elderly. These biophysiologic changes have implications for the pathophysiology of anorectal disorders. A clear understanding and working knowledge of the functional anatomy and pathophysiology will enable appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
authors.forename: Siegfried W B
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Satish S C
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Rao
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology; D003106:Colon / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003672:Defecation; D019468:Disease Management; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000503:physiopathology; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Age-related cellular dysfunction; Anorectal pathophysiology; Constipation; Elderly; Fecal incontinence