Sphincter ani externus

Sphincter ani externus muscle
Coronal section through the anal canal. B. Cavity of urinary bladder V.D. Ductus deferens. S.V. Seminal vesicle. R. Second part of rectum. A.C. Anal canal. L.A. Levator ani. I.S. Sphincter ani internus. E.S. Sphincter ani externus.
Details
Nerve	Branch from the fourth sacral and contributions from the inferior hemorrhoidal branch of the pudendal nerve
Actions	Keep the anal canal and orifice closed
Identifiers
Latin	Musculus sphincter ani externus
Dorlands /Elsevier	m_22/12550801
TA	A04.5.04.012
FMA	21930
Anatomical terms of muscle []

The external anal sphincter (or sphincter ani externus ) is a flat plane of muscular fibers, elliptical in shape and intimately adherent to the skin surrounding the margin of the anus.

The external anal sphincter measures about 8 to 10 cm in length, from its anterior to its posterior extremity, and is about 2.5 cm opposite the anus, when defecation occurs the sphincter muscle retracts.

It consists of two strata, superficial and deep.

In a considerable proportion of cases the fibers decussate in front of the anus, and are continuous with the superficial transverse perineal muscle.

Posteriorly, they are not attached to the coccyx, but are continuous with those of the opposite side behind the anal canal.

The upper edge of the muscle is ill-defined, since fibers are given off from it to join the levator ani.

The action of this muscle is peculiar.

(1) It is, like other muscles, always in a state of tonic contraction, and having no antagonistic muscle it keeps the anal canal and orifice closed.

(2) It can be put into a condition of greater contraction under the influence of the will, so as more firmly to occlude the anal aperture, in expiratory efforts unconnected with defecation.

(3) Taking its fixed point at the coccyx, it helps to fix the central point of the perineum, so that the bulbospongiosus muscle may act from this fixed point.

Anismus is a paradoxical contraction of the external anal sphincter, when the intent is relaxation, which can result in obstructed defecation and constipation. Abnormal function of this muscle is also seen in anorectal malformation and after certain surgeries, including coccygectomy.

Intestines

Schematic demonstrating the anatomy of hemorrhoids.