Evaluation of Anorectal Disorders By Parswa Ansari, MD, Hofstra Northwell-Lenox Hill Hospital, New York Reviewed / Revised Jan 2023 View Patient Education Topic Resources Anal Canal The anal canal begins at the anal verge and ends at the anorectal junction (pectinate line, mucocutaneous junction, dentate line), where there are 8 to 12 anal crypts and 5 to 8 papillae.