The anal canal is the terminal part of the large intestine and of the entire digestive tract. It extends from the superior aspect of the pelvic diaphragm to the anus. The canal (2.5-3.5 cm long) begins where the rectal ampulla narrows at the level of the U-shaped sling formed by the puborectalis muscle. The anal canal ends at the anus, the external outlet of the alimentary tract. The anal canal, surrounded by internal and external anal sphincters, descends postero-inferiorly between the anococcygeal ligament and the perineal body. The canal is collapsed, except during passage of feces. Both sphincters must relax before defecation can occur.

The external anal sphincter is a large voluntary sphincter that forms a broad band on each side of the inferior two thirds of the anal canal. This sphincter is attached anteriorly to the perineal body and posteriorly to the coccyx via the anococcygeal ligament. It blends superiorly with the puborectalis muscle.