The presence of feces in the rectum triggers the defecation reflex. As the rectum stretches due to the accumulation of feces, sensory receptors in the rectal walls send signals to the spinal cord, which then initiates the reflex to relax the internal anal sphincter and contract the colon muscles to push out the feces.
voluntary muscles
The anal sphincter is located at the end of the digestive tract, surrounding the anal canal. It consists of two muscles - internal and external anal sphincters - which help control the opening and closing of the anus during bowel movements.
Skeletal or voluntary muscles attach to the skeleton and allow movement. In contrast, smooth muscles are not under voluntary control.
The sphincter that allows chyme to pass into the small intestine is known as the pyloric sphincter. It is located at the end of the stomach and regulates the release of partially digested food into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption.
Normal anatomyThe anus is a sphincter at the end of the rectum through which passes stool during defecation. The anal sphincter is a critical mechanism for control of fecal continence.IndicationAnal fissures are tears in the skin overlying the anal sphincter, usually due to increased tone of the anal sphincter muscles, and a failure of these muscle to relax. Anal fissures cause pain during defecation and bleeding from the anus.IncisionMost anal fissures can be treated successfully with conservative measures, which include stool softeners and warm soaks. The goal is to relax the anal sphincter, which allows the fissure to heal. If these methods are ineffective, surgery is necessary. This is called an internal sphincterotomy, a procedure in which the anal sphincter is partially cut, thus allowing it to relax and permitting the fissure to heal.ProcedureSphincterotomy, when properly performed, is very effective in healing anal fissures.Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/21/2010Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology, Boca Raton, FL. Clinical Instructor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The anus can be affected by the internal and external sphincters, which are muscles that use tonic contracture to keep certain parts of the gastrointestinal tract closed, until it is time for something to pass. The internal sphincter is involuntary and what gives you the urge to defecate (have a bowel movement). The external sphincter is voluntary. This is what allows you to hold your feces - which was learned during potty training - until it is convenient to have a bowel movement. If the external sphincter continues to suppress the internal sphincter, it is possible that this could contribute to constipation.
The esophageal sphincter ,which allows food to enter the stomach, and stops the acidic contents from entering the esophagus.
The lower esophageal sphincter must open to allow for vomiting. This sphincter is located at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, and its relaxation allows the contents of the stomach to be expelled back up through the esophagus.
The spincters located in the esophagus are: the upper sphincter at the top and the lower (the cardiac sphincter) at the bottom of the esophagus. They regulate the food passing through the esophagus.
The rectum is a portion of the end of the colon just before the anus and is controlled by involuntary muscles (smooth muscle). I believe the anal spincter or rear end opening has 2 types of muscles. The internal anal sphincter is involuntary fortunately and keeps us from social embarrassment. The external anal sphincter is voluntary and allows us to properly time the release of gas at the right moment in a conversation.
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the hormone that causes the relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi. This relaxation allows bile and pancreatic enzymes to flow into the small intestine to aid in digestion.