A 43-year-old medical student suffers severe damage to the conus medullaris in an accident. He initiates defecation by inserting a balloon-tipped Foley catheter into his rectum and inflating the balloon with a 50 mL syringe. Which reflex is stimulated by the balloon in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The use of a catheter and balloon to initiate defecation suggests that the patient is using the Intrinsic Defecation Reflex. This reflex involves distention of the rectum by feces or a balloon, leading to activation of mechanoreceptors and the spinal reflex pathway, resulting in contraction of the rectum and relaxation of the internal anal sphincter. This allows for fecal expulsion. The other reflexes listed are not involved in this particular scenario.

A 43-Year-Old Medical Student Suffers Severe Damage to the Conus