1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer

Anus

By Lisa Fayed, About.com

Updated: January 13, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: The anus is the opening of the rectum. It allows waste to pass from the large intestine and outside the body.

The anus is often confused with the rectum, which is the last several inches of the lower intestine. The rectum ultimately ends at the anus, where fecal material exits the body.

The anus is vulnerable to infections and diseases, such as anal cancer.

Explore Cancer
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer
  4. Cancer Basics
  5. Cancer Glossary
  6. Anus - What is the Anus?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.