Lining of the anal canal immediately inferior to the dentate line and extending for about 1.5 cm. to the anal verge; it is devoid of hair and sebaceous and sweat glands, and so is not true skin, although it is squamous epithelium; it is pale, smooth, thin, and delicate, and shiny when stretched; it is especially vulnerable to abrasion (as from rough toilet paper), chemical irritants (soaps), and is well-provided with tactile and nociceptive (pain, itch) endings innervated by the inferior rectal (pudendal) nerve.