[citation needed] Despite the inclusion of the term "rectal" into the name, the venous plexus is positionally, functionally, and clinically primarily related to the anal canal.

[4]: 598 The internal plexus presents a series of dilated pouches which are arranged in a circle around the tube, immediately above the anal orifice, and are connected by transverse branches.

[citation needed] The internal plexus (sources differ) forms[4]: 641 /is continuous distally/inferiorly with[5]: 294  the hemorrhoids (the vascular cushions of the anal canal).

[citation needed] The rectal venous plexus represents a portosystemic (portocaval) anastomosis.

[4]: 645 This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 676 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)