
Recto-anal junction
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

Rectum
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

Anus
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

- Apocrine sweat gland
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

- Hair follicle
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

Recto-anal junction
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

Anal canal
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

Muscularis externa inner layer
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

Internal anal sphincter
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

Muscularis externa outer layer
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x

External anal sphincter
The epithelium changes abruptly at the junction of the rectum (simple columnar) with the anal canal (stratified squamous moist); a more gradual transition occurs between the anal canal and anus. The inner circular layer of the muscularis externa thickens terminally as the internal anal sphincter. The outer longitudinal band blends with the adventitia. The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle. 40x