What is the fundamental difference between an anal fissure and a hemorrhoid

The key difference lies in what they are:

• Anal Fissure: A small tear or cut in the thin, moist tissue that lines the anus. Think of it like a “paper cut” in the anal canal.
• Hemorrhoid: A swollen vein in the anus or lower rectum, similar to a varicose vein. These can be inside the rectum (internal) or outside the anus (external).