Recto-anal junction
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist). The rectum resembles the rest of the large intestine, having straight intestinal glands with many goblet cells. A more gradual transition of the epithelium occurs between the anal canal and the anus, the latter being lined by a stratified squamous, keratinized epithelium. 100x
Rectum
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist). The rectum resembles the rest of the large intestine, having straight intestinal glands with many goblet cells. A more gradual transition of the epithelium occurs between the anal canal and the anus, the latter being lined by a stratified squamous, keratinized epithelium. 100x
Anal canal
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist). The rectum resembles the rest of the large intestine, having straight intestinal glands with many goblet cells. A more gradual transition of the epithelium occurs between the anal canal and the anus, the latter being lined by a stratified squamous, keratinized epithelium. 100x
Anus
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist). The rectum resembles the rest of the large intestine, having straight intestinal glands with many goblet cells. A more gradual transition of the epithelium occurs between the anal canal and the anus, the latter being lined by a stratified squamous, keratinized epithelium. 100x
Recto-anal junction
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist). The rectum resembles the rest of the large intestine, having straight intestinal glands with many goblet cells. A more gradual transition of the epithelium occurs between the anal canal and the anus, the latter being lined by a stratified squamous, keratinized epithelium. 100x
Region of junction with anus
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist). The rectum resembles the rest of the large intestine, having straight intestinal glands with many goblet cells. A more gradual transition of the epithelium occurs between the anal canal and the anus, the latter being lined by a stratified squamous, keratinized epithelium. 100x
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The next image compares these junctional regions at higher magnification.
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