The pectinate line is a term used to refer to the visible ridge that separates the anal canal from the rectum. There are several synonymous terms that can be used to describe this line. Some of these terms include the dentate line, the interdentate line, the white line of Hilton, and the anorectal line. All of these terms refer to the same anatomical structure and are often used interchangeably. The pectinate line is an important landmark in colorectal surgery and is used to differentiate between the two types of epithelium found in the anal canal and rectum. Familiarity with these synonymous terms is important in the study and practice of medicine and anatomy.