World of Biology on Instagram: "Hemorrhoids with Hidden Superpowers? The Surprising Truth Hemorrhoids aren’t just painful veins they actually play a role in helping the anus stay sealed and maintain continence. When these blood vessels become swollen or inflamed, they can make the anal canal feel tighter or cause discomfort during bowel movements. So while they’re often blamed for pain, healthy hemorrhoidal cushions are part of what keeps everything working smoothly down there. Animation credit