Internal anal sphincter
The internal anal sphincter, IAS, (or sphincter ani internus) is a ring of smooth muscle that surrounds about 2.5–4.0 cm of the anal canal. It is about 5 mm thick, and is formed by an aggregation of the smooth (involuntary) circular muscle fibers of the rectum. it terminates distally about 6 mm from the anal orifice.
| Internal anal sphincter | |
|---|---|
Coronal section through the anal canal. B. Cavity of urinary bladder V.D. Vas deferens. S.V. Seminal vesicle. R. Second part of rectum. A.C. Anal canal. L.A. Levator ani. I.S. Internal anal sphincter. E.S. External anal sphincter. | |
Coronal section of rectum and anal canal | |
| Details | |
| Nerve | Pelvic splanchnic nerves (S4), thoracicolumbar outflow of the spinal cord |
| Actions | Keeps the anal canal and orifice closed, aids in the expulsion of the feces |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | musculus sphincter ani internus |
| TA98 | A05.7.05.011 |
| TA2 | 3018 |
| FMA | 15710 |
| Anatomical terms of muscle | |
The internal anal sphincter aids the sphincter ani externus to occlude the anal aperture and aids in the expulsion of the feces. Its action is entirely involuntary. It is normally in a state of continuous maximal contraction to prevent leakage of faeces or gases. Sympathetic stimulation stimulates and maintains the sphincter's contraction, and parasympathetic stimulation inhibits it. It becomes relaxed in response to distention of the rectal ampulla, requiring voluntary contraction of the puborectalis and external anal sphincter to maintain continence.