Longitudinal muscular layer of rectum
Stratum musculare longitudinale recti
- Latin synonym: Stratum longitudinale tunicae muscularis recti
- Synonym: Longitudinal layer of muscular coat of rectum
- Related terms: Longitudinal layer
Definition
The longitudinal layer (longitudinal fibers) do not form a continuous layer over the whole surface of the large intestine. Around the rectum they spread out and form a layer, which completely encircles this portion of the gut, but is thicker on the anterior and posterior surfaces, where it forms two b ands, than on the lateral surfaces. In addition, two bands of plain muscular tissue arise from the second and third coccygeal vertebræ, and pass downward and forward to blend with the longitudinal muscular fibers on the posterior wall of the anal canal. These are known as the Rectococcygeal muscles.