Basic Anatomy and Physiology of Bowel Control

Abstract

The authors present a summary of the most recent publications related with the etiology, pathogenesis, and genetics of anorectal malformations. Special attention is dedicated to the issue of the ``modern anatomic findings.'' A detailed description of the intrinsic anatomy of anorectal malformations is presented, in an effort to eradicate traditional concepts, based on repetition of myths and ``sacred'' concepts, without factual evidence such as the characteristics of the ``internal sphincter,'' ``external sphincter,'' and ``puborectalis muscle.''