A 2-month-old female with Down syndrome is diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease following family complaints of chronic constipation.The most likely cause of these symptoms is:
A) Absence of ganglia along the length of the colon
B) The use of cow's milk instead of formula
C) Excessive use of glycerin suppositories to promote bowel elimination
D) Additional ganglia throughout the length of the colon

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Congenital aganglionic megacolon is caused by the absence of the enteric ganglia (Meissner and Auerbach plexuses)along a variable length of the colon,resulting in inadequate motility.
Megacolon is a functional anatomic disorder not related to formula.
Megacolon is a functional anatomic disorder not related to use of suppositories.
Megacolon is not due to additional ganglia,but an absence of ganglia.

A 2-Month-Old Female with Down Syndrome Is Diagnosed with Hirschsprung