Anal Fissure and Haemorroids

Terms You Should know

• Anal Sphincter : Muscles around the anal canal that contract, closing the anus to prevent the expelling of stool. 
  Anorectal : Pertaining to the anus and rectum 
  Anus : The opening at the end of the large intestine ( rectum) that expels stool. See also large intestine. 
  Bowel : The small or large intestine. 
  Colon : A portion of the large intestine not including the rectum. 
  Colorectal : Pertaining to the colon and rectum. 
  Consitpation : The infrequent or difficult passage of hard, dry stools. 
  Diarrhoea : Loose or watery and often frequent bowel movements. 
  Fibre : A food substance that resists chemical digestion and passes through the system relatively unchanged.
  Haemorrhoid : A swollen vein in or around the anus. 
  Impaction : Pressed firmly together so as to be immovable, often causing an obstruction. 
  Intestines : The portion of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. The term intestines includes the small and large intestines. 
  Large intestine: A muscular tube that extends from the end of the small intestine ( ileum) to the anus. 
  Laxative : A medicine that helps relieve constipation. 
  Parianal : The area located around the anus. 
  Rectum : The lowest portion of the large intestine. 
  Sigmoid colon : The lower part of the large intestine that connects to the rectum. 
  Sphincter : A circular band of muscle that acts as a valve. 
  Stool : Waste products such as food residue expelled from the body through the rectum and anus. Also referred to as faeces. 

Anal Fissure