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| Pharynx |
|
| Head and neck |
|
| Pharynx |
| Latin |
(Greek: Pharynx) |
| Gray's |
subject #244 1141 |
| Artery |
pharyngeal branches of ascending pharyngeal artery, ascending palatine, descending palatine, pharyngeal branches of inferior thyroid |
| Vein |
pharyngeal plexus |
| Nerve |
pharyngeal plexus, maxillary nerve, mandibular nerve |
| MeSH |
Pharynx |
The pharynx (plural: pharynges) is an organ found in animals, including humans. It is part of the digestive system and also the respiratory system. The pharynx is also part of the conducting zone of the respiratory system which is made up of the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and terminal bronchioles; their function is to filter, warm, and moisten air and conduct it into the lungs.[citation needed]
In humans it makes up the part of the throat situated immediately posterior to the nasal cavity, posterior to the mouth and superior to the esophagus and larynx. The human pharynx is conventionally divided into three sections: the nasopharynx (epipharynx), the oropharynx (mesopharynx), and the laryngopharynx (hypopharynx). The pharynx is part of the digestive system and also the respiratory system; it is also important in vocalization.
The word pharynx (pronounced //[1][2]) is derived from the Greek phárynx, meaning "throat". Its plural form is pharynges // or pharynxes //, and its adjective form is pharyngeal (// or //).
Contents
- 1 Divisions
- 1.1 Nasopharynx
- 1.2 Oropharynx
- 1.3 Laryngopharynx
- 2 Other animals
- 3 Additional images
- 4 See also
- 5 References
- 6 External links
Divisions[edit]
Nasopharynx[edit]
Main article: Nasopharynx
The higher or most cephalad portion of the pharynx. It extends from the base of the skull to the upper surface of the soft palate.[3] It includes the space between the internal nares and the soft palate and lies above/superior to the oral cavity. The pharyngeal tonsils, more commonly referred to as the adenoids, are lymphoid tissue structures located in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.
The
nasopharynx,
oropharynx, and
laryngopharynx or larynx can be seen clearly in this sagittal section of the head and neck.
Polyps or mucus can obstruct the nasopharynx, as can congestion due to an upper respiratory infection. The Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the pharynx, open into the nasopharynx. The opening and closing of the Eustachian tubes serves to equalize the barometric pressure in the middle ear with that of the ambient atmosphere.
The anterior aspect of the nasopharynx communicates through the choanae with the nasal cavities. On its lateral walls are the pharyngeal ostia of the auditory tube, somewhat triangular in shape, and bounded behind by a firm prominence, the torus tubarius or cushion, caused by the medial end of the cartilage of the tube that elevates the mucous membrane. Two folds arise from the cartilaginous opening:
- the salpingopharyngeal fold, a vertical fold of mucous membrane extending from the inferior part of the torus and containing the salpingopharyngeus muscle
- the salpingopalatine fold, a smaller fold extending from the superior part of the torus to the palate and containing the levator veli palatini muscle. The tensor veli palatini is lateral to the levator and does not contribute the fold, since the origin is deep to the cartilaginous opening.
Behind the ostium of the auditory tube is a deep recess, the pharyngeal recess (also referred to as the fossa of Rosenmüller). On the posterior wall is a prominence, best marked in childhood, produced by a mass of lymphoid tissue, which is known as the pharyngeal tonsil. Superior to the pharyngeal tonsil, in the midline, an irregular flask-shaped depression of the mucous membrane sometimes extends up as far as the basilar process of the occipital bone; it is known as the pharyngeal bursa.
Oropharynx[edit]
Main article: Oropharynx
The oropharynx or mesopharynx lies behind the oral cavity, extending from the uvula to the level of the hyoid bone. It opens anteriorly, through the isthmus faucium, into the mouth, while in its lateral wall, between the Palatoglossal arch and the Palatopharyngeal arch, is the palatine tonsil. The anterior wall consists of the base of the tongue and the epiglottic vallecula; the lateral wall is made up of the tonsil, tonsillar fossa, and tonsillar (faucial) pillars; the superior wall consists of the inferior surface of the soft palate and the uvula. Because both food and air pass through the pharynx, a flap of connective tissue called the epiglottis closes over the glottis when food is swallowed to prevent aspiration.The oropharynx is lined by non keratinised squamous stratified epithelium.
The HACEK organisms (Haemophilus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, Kingella) are part of the normal oropharyngeal flora, which grow slowly, prefer a carbon dioxide-enriched atmosphere, and share an enhanced capacity to produce endocardial infections, especially in young children.[4] Fusobacterium is a pathogen.[5]
Laryngopharynx[edit]
Main article: Hypopharynx
The hypopharynx or laryngopharynx or (Latin: pars laryngea pharyngis) is the caudal part of the pharynx; it is the part of the throat that connects to the esophagus. It lies inferior to the epiglottis and extends to the location where this common pathway diverges into the respiratory (larynx) and digestive (esophagus) pathways. At that point, the laryngopharynx is continuous with the esophagus posteriorly. The esophagus conducts food and fluids to the stomach; air enters the larynx anteriorly. During swallowing, food has the "right of way", and air passage temporarily stops. Corresponding roughly to the area located between the 4th and 6th cervical vertebrae, the superior boundary of the laryngopharynx is at the level of the hyoid bone. The laryngopharynx includes three major sites: the pyriform sinus, postcricoid area, and the posterior pharyngeal wall. Like the oropharynx above it, the laryngopharynx serves as a passageway for food and air and is lined with a stratified squamous epithelium. It is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus.
The word pharynx (pronounced //[6][7]) is derived from the Greek phárynx, meaning "throat". Its plural form is pharynges // or pharynxes //, and its adjective form is pharyngeal (// or //).
Other animals[edit]
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This section requires expansion. (December 2013) |
As in humans other animals also have pharynxes. It is part of the digestive system and also the respiratory system.
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Everted pharynx of Alitta virens (also known as Nereis virens), lateral view
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Pharynx of the turbellarian Prorhynchus fontinalis
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Longitudinal section through the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans showing the position of the pharynx in the animal body.
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Microscopic cross section through the pharynx of a larva from an unknown lamprey species.
Pharyngeal jaws[edit]
Main article: Pharyngeal jaws
Pharyngeal jaws are a "second set" of jaws contained within an animal's pharynx, distinct from the primary (oral) jaws. Pharyngeal jaws have been studied in moray eels. When the moray bites prey, it first bites normally with its oral jaws, capturing the prey. Immediately thereafter, the pharyngeal jaws are brought forward and bite down on the prey to grip it; they then retract, pulling the prey down the eel's esophagus, allowing it to be swallowed. [8]
An illustration of the
pharyngeal jaws of a moray eel.
Additional images[edit]
-
-
Organs of the digestive system
-
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Coronal section of right ear, showing auditory tube and levator veli palatini muscle.
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The entrance to the larynx, viewed from behind
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The position and relation of the esophagus in the cervical region and in the posterior mediastinum. Seen from behind.
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Acute catarrhal pharyngitis. The oropharynx is swollen and red
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Deep dissection of human larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind
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Deep dissection of human larynx, pharynx and tongue seen from behind
See also[edit]
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- Pharyngeal consonant
- Pharyngeal (disambiguation)
- Pharyngitis
- Saccopharynx, a genus of deep sea eel-like fishes with large mouths, distensible stomachs and long scaleless bodies
- Tonsil
- Uvula
References[edit]
- ^ OED 2nd edition, 1989.
- ^ Entry "pharynx" in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, retrieved 2012-07-28.
- ^ Clinical Head and Neck and Functional Neuroscience Course Notes, 2008-2009, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
- ^ Morpeth S, Murdoch D, Cabell CH, et al. (December 2007). "Non-HACEK gram-negative bacillus endocarditis". Ann. Intern. Med. 147 (12): 829–35. PMID 18087053.
- ^ Aliyu SH, Marriott RK, Curran MD, et al. (2004). "Real-time PCR investigation into the importance of Fusobacterium necrophorum as a cause of acute pharyngitis in general practice". J Med Microbiol 53 (Pt 10): 1029–35. doi:10.1099/jmm.0.45648-0. PMID 15358827.
- ^ OED 2nd edition, 1989.
- ^ Entry "pharynx" in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, retrieved 2012-07-28.
- ^ Mehta, Rita S.; Peter C. Wainwright (2007-09-06). "Raptorial jaws in the throat help moray eels swallow large prey". Nature 449 (7158): 79–82. doi:10.1038/nature06062. PMID 17805293. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
- General
- Stedman's/LWW 1551471
- Human Anatomy and Physiology Elaine N. Marieb and Katja Hoehn, Seventh Edition.
- TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours Sobin LH & Wittekind Ch (eds)Sixth edition UICC 2002 ISBN 0-471-22288-7
External links[edit]
- SUNY Labs 31:st-1401
- SUNY Labs 31:st-1403
- SUNY Labs 31:st-1406
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Human systems and organs
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TA 2–4:
MS |
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Skeletal system
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- Bone
- Carpus
- Collar bone (clavicle)
- Thigh bone (femur)
- Fibula
- Humerus
- Mandible
- Metacarpus
- Metatarsus
- Ossicles
- Patella
- Phalanges
- Radius
- Skull (cranium)
- Tarsus
- Tibia
- Ulna
- Rib
- Vertebra
- Pelvis
- Sternum
- Cartilage
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Joints
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- Fibrous joint
- Cartilaginous joint
- Synovial joint
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Muscular system
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TA 5–11:
splanchnic/
viscus |
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mostly
Thoracic
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mostly
Abdominopelvic
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Digestive system+
adnexa
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- Mouth
- upper GI
- Oropharynx
- Laryngopharynx
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- lower GI
- Small intestine
- Appendix
- Colon
- Rectum
- Anus
- accessory
- Liver
- Biliary tract
- Pancreas
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GU: Urinary system
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- Kidney
- Ureter
- Bladder
- Urethra
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GU: Reproductive system
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- Female
- Uterus
- Vagina
- Vulva
- Ovary
- Placenta
- Male
- Scrotum
- Penis
- Prostate
- Testicle
- Seminal vesicle
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Endocrine system
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- Pituitary
- Pineal
- Thyroid
- Parathyroid
- Adrenal
- Islets of Langerhans
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| TA 12–16 |
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Circulatory system
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Cardiovascular system
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- peripheral
- Artery
- Vein
- Lymphatic vessel
- Heart
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Lymphatic system
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- primary
- secondary
- CNS equivalent
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Nervous system
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Integumentary system
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- Skin
- Subcutaneous tissue
- Breast
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Blood
(Non-TA) |
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General anatomy: systems and organs, regional anatomy, planes and lines, superficial axial anatomy, superficial anatomy of limbs
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Head and neck, upper RT: Nose (TA A06.1, TH H3.05.01, GA 10.992)
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| External nose |
Ala of nose
nasal cartilages (of the septum, Greater alar, Lesser alar, Lateral nasal, Accessory nasal, Vomeronasal)
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| Nasal cavity |
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Openings
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Nasal vestibule · Nostril · Posterior nasal apertures
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Lateral wall
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Nasal conchae/meatus: Superior nasal concha · Middle nasal concha · Inferior nasal concha · Superior nasal meatus · Middle nasal meatus · Inferior nasal meatus
Sphenoethmoidal recess · Ethmoid bulla · Agger nasi · Ethmoidal infundibulum · Semilunar hiatus · Maxillary hiatus
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Medial wall
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Nasal septum · Vomeronasal organ
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Mucous membrane
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Olfactory mucosa
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| Paranasal sinuses |
Maxillary sinus · Sphenoidal sinuses · Frontal sinus · Ethmoid sinus
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| Naso-pharynx |
Pharyngeal opening of auditory tube (Salpingopharyngeal fold, Salpingopalatine fold, Torus tubarius) · Pharyngeal tonsil · Pharyngeal recess
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anat (n, x, l, c)/phys/devp
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noco (c, p)/cong/tumr, sysi/epon, injr
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proc, drug (R1/2/3/5/6/7)
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Head and neck anatomy, digestive system: Mouth anatomy (TA A05.1–2, TH H3.04.01, GA 11.1110–2, 1125–1141)
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| Mouth |
Oral cavity
(including
mucosa) |
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Vestibule
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Lip (Upper, Lower, Vermilion border, Frenulum of lower lip, Labial commissure of mouth, Philtrum)
Cheek (Buccal fat pad)
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Oral cavity proper
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Palate/
roof of mouth
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Hard palate · Soft palate · Palatine raphe · Incisive papilla
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Gingiva
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Interdental papilla · Gingival sulcus · Gingival margin · Free gingival margin · Gingival fibers · Junctional epithelium · Mucogingival junction · Sulcular epithelium · Stippling
Periodontium: Cementum · Gingiva · Periodontal ligament
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Glands
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Parotid gland/Parotid duct · Submandibular gland/Submandibular duct · Sublingual gland/Major sublingual duct
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Teeth
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see tooth anatomy
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Tongue
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dorsum (Taste bud, Median sulcus, Terminal sulcus, Foramen cecum, Lingual tonsils) · ventral surface (Frenulum, Fimbriated fold, Sublingual caruncle) · Anterior · Posterior · Glossoepiglottic folds · Lingual septum
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Oro-pharynx/
fauces |
Oropharyngeal isthmus/Isthmus of the fauces
Soft palate (Uvula, Palatoglossal arch, Palatopharyngeal arch, Plica semilunaris of the fauces)
Tonsillar fossa
Palatine tonsil
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noco/cofa (c)/cogi/tumr, sysi
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Anatomy of torso, digestive system: Gastrointestinal tract, excluding mouth (TA A05.3–7, TH H3.04.02-04, GA 11.1141)
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| Upper GI |
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Hypo- pharynx
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- spaces:
- Peripharyngeal space
- Retropharyngeal space
- Parapharyngeal space
- Retrovisceral space
- Retropharyngeal space
- Danger space
- Prevertebral space
- Pterygomandibular raphe
- Pharyngeal raphe
- Buccopharyngeal fascia
- Pharyngobasilar fascia
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Esophagus
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- UES
- LES
- Esophageal glands
- Serosa / Adventitia
- Muscular layer
- Submucosa
- Mucosa
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Stomach
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- by region:
- Greater curvature
- Lesser curvature
- Cardia
- Body
- Fundus
- Pylorus
- by layer:
- Serosa
- Muscular layer
- Submucosa
- Gastric mucosa
- Muscularis mucosa
- Gastric rugae
- Gastric pits
- Gastric gland
- Cardiac glands
- Fundic glands
- Pyloric glands
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| Lower GI |
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Intestine: small
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Layers
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- Serosa
- Subserosa
- Muscular layer
- Circular folds
- Submucosa
- Mucosa
- Muscularis mucosa
- Peyer's patches
- Intestinal villus
- Intestinal gland
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Duodenum
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- Suspensory muscle
- Major duodenal papilla
- Minor duodenal papilla
- Duodenal cap
- Duodenojejunal flexure
- Brunner's glands
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Jejunum
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Ileum
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- Terminal ileum
- Ileocecal valve
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Intestine: large
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Layers
|
- Serosa
- Subserosa
- Muscular layer
- Submucosa
- Mucosa
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Cecum
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Colon
|
- ascending colon
- hepatic flexure
- transverse colon
- splenic flexure
- descending colon
- sigmoid colon
- continuous
- taenia coli
- haustra
- epiploic appendix
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Rectum
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- Transverse folds of rectum
- Rectal ampulla
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Anal canal
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- Anal columns
- Anal valves
- Anal sinuses
- Pectinate line
- Sphincter ani internus muscle
- Intersphincteric groove
- Sphincter ani externus muscle
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anat (t, g, p)/phys/devp/enzy
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noco/cong/tumr, sysi/epon
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proc, drug (A2A/2B/3/4/5/6/7/14/16), blte
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This article incorporates text from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy.
