RT Book, Section A1 Gregory, W. Thomas A1 Weinstein, Milena M. A2 Rogers, Rebecca G. A2 Sung, Vivian W. A2 Iglesia, Cheryl B. A2 Thakar, Ranee SR Print(0) ID 1105830157 T1 Anorectal Investigations T2 Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery: Clinical Practice and Surgical Atlas YR 2014 FD 2014 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-175641-9 LK obgyn.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1105830157 RD 2024/03/29 AB The anorectum has similar functions as the bladder and urethra: storage and emptying. To maintain continence, the anorectum must deal with solid, liquid, and gaseous contents. Continence is also dependent on proximal gut motility, the distensibility of the rectum, and the function of the anal sphincter complex (Figure 11-1). In addition, continence relies on intact sensory and motor including somatic and visceral systems, located in the anatomically correct position. Finally, the process of defecation not only depends on these systems to function independently, but requires appropriate interactions between them in order to provide socially appropriate, coordinated, and complete expulsion of fecal contents.