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Anus

The anus is the opening through which stools/faeces (ie, the waste products of digestion) pass out of the rectum and are eliminated from the body. The act of passing stools is called a 'bowel movement' or 'opening your bowels'.

The nervous system triggers the urge to pass stools. Many people feel this urge upon waking in the mornings. Others may feel it soon after eating a meal (eg, just after eating breakfast or lunch) - it may be the digestive system's way of removing stored wastes before starting the process of digestion all over again.

The anus is surrounded by very strong sphincter muscles. These muscles normally keep the anus closed. At the time of opening the bowels, the muscles contract and expand to open the anus and allow stools to pass.

Disorders of the anus

Some problems that can occur in and around the anus include:

• Anal fissures
• Haemorrhoids
• Anal polyps