Anus: Difference between revisions

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	{{about\|the bodily orifice\|the New Guinea tribal language\|]}}
	{{Redirect\|Anal}}

	In ], the ] (from ] ānus "ring, anus") is the external opening of the ]. Closure is controlled by ] ]s. ] are expelled from the body through the anus during the act of ], which is the primary function of the anus. Most animals — from simple worms to elephants and humans — have a tubular ], with a ] at one end and an anus at the other.

	The anus is often considered a ] part of the body, and is also known by a large number of slang terms, which are generally considered vulgar and not used in polite speech.

	== Structure ==
	The human anus is situated between the ]s, ] to the ]. It has two anal sphincters, one internal, the other external. These hold the anus until time to defecate.<!-- or time for sexual activity.--> One sphincter consists of smooth muscle and its action is involuntary; the other, striated muscle and voluntary. In many animals, the anus is surrounded by ]. Stretching of the anus can be quite pleasurable, though potentially dangerous.

	== Role in defecation ==
	{{main\|Defecation}}

	When the ] is full the increase in intrarectal pressure forces the walls of the ] apart allowing the fecal matter to enter the canal. The rectum shortens as material is forced into the anal canal and peristaltic waves propel the feces out of the rectum. The internal and external sphincters of the anus allow the feces to be passed by muscles pulling the anus up over the exiting feces.

	To prevent diseases of the anus and to promote general hygiene, humans often follow the action of the sphincter with a cleansing activity after emptying the bowels. A wash with a ] or a wiping with ] are often used to clear the anus of fecal matter.

	== Role in sexuality ==
	{{main\|Anal sex}}

	]s and ]]]
	The anus has a relatively high concentration of ]s and is an ]. ]'s theory of ], for example, described an ], hypothesizing that toddlers derive pleasure from retaining and expelling feces. This is the source of the ] term ].

	] can be pleasurable for both the insertive partner and the receptive partner. For females, pleasure derived from anal intercourse is also thought to be related to the shared wall between the rectum and the vagina as well as the ]. For males, the tightness of the anus is often said to be a source of pleasure in penetrative anal sex, while the presence of the ] gland near the rectal wall is generally seen as a source of pleasure during receptive ]. Other animals have also been observed practicing anal intercourse.

	Anal intercourse, sometimes referred to as ] or ], is a common human sexual activity, but is considered ] in a number of moral systems, and it has been, and in some jurisdictions continues to be, a crime carrying severe punishment.

	Anal sex need not include penetration. The anus also plays an important role in ], ] and ].

	] can stimulate the nerves around the anus and can be considered pleasurable. Care must be taken to maintain elasticity.

	==Maintenance==
	Hygiene is important for good anal health. Washing with a mild soap and water will keep the anus clean. Harsh soaps or wiping vigorously with toilet paper can irritate the skin around the anus, making it itchy or sore. ] are sometimes the source of ].

	Penetration with a penis or sex toy can irritate or tear the inside of the anus. Lubrication is often recommended to ease penetration.

	]s can improve the tone of the outer sphincter muscle.

	==Cosmetics==
	Shaving, trimming, ], or ] can clear the perineum of hair.

	] is a relatively new ] phenomenon where the perineum, which darkens over the years, is lightened for a more youthful appearance. In 2004 it was reported that actress ] had her anus bleached for cosmetic purposes.

	] is among the more extreme piercings and usually interferes with the function of the anus.

	== Pathology ==
	], ], ], ], ], ] and ] are among the diseases of the anus that benefit from medical intervention. Birth defects of the anus include ] and ]. The anus is also a frequent site of ]s.

	==See also==
	*] — the ] list of synonyms and slang words for the anus in many languages
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]

	{{wiktionarypar\|anus}}

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Revision as of 03:53, 19 December 2005

Tastes great with syrup!