A study in organogenesis: the arterial supply of the anorectal region in the human embryo and fetus. Anatomic and embryologic bases of anorectal malformations.

The development of the anorectal region is based on differentiation of the terminal portion of the hindgut. The origin of anorectal malformations is still unknown but seems to occur very early in the embryologic period. To gain a better understanding of their development, a study of the arterial supply of the anorectal region was made in 26 embryos and 50 fetuses.