3. What are Hemorrhoids actually?

The word hemorrhoid originates from the Greek language and is literally translated as "blood river". They look like sponge tissue filled with blood, in which a network of entering (arteries) and exiting (veins) blood vessels exist. The blood vessels also penetrate the external and internal sphincter (closing) muscle. Since in particular the internal closing muscle must be flexed in order to lock the anus, the blood from the hemorrhoidal tissue cannot flow out and is accumulated. So, they form a circular pad in the final intestine and supports the sealing function of the sphincter muscles. The hemorrhoids -in a sense- function as micro control of the anus.

If the closing muscle relaxes with the defecation, the blood from the hemorrhoids can flow out, whereby the nodules relax and the stool can be emptied unhindered. If this mechanism is disturbed, the closing muscle does not relax completely and the blood remains accumulated in the tissue. Then the increased nodules present an obstacle and will be pressed in the anal channel by the defecation.

Schematic representation of the anatomy of the final intestine:


a) final intestine, b) anal channel, c) anal edge veins
d) sfincter muscles, e) hemorrhoids

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AAnal diseases - still a topic with taboo   |   Anatomy of the final intestine   |   How does the illness of the hemorrhoids developed?   |   How does the hemorrhoidal illness express itself?   |   How Hemorrhoids are treated?   |   How is the treatment in the Proktoklinik?   |    Anal fissure   |   Anal fistula / Anal abscess   |   Anal thrombosis   |   Illness of the Linea Dentata   |   Skin folds (Mariscs)   |   Condyloms