A newborn boy does not pass meconium in the first 24 hours. His abdomen is distended, and he begins vomiting. Hirschsprung's disease is suspected. Which of the following is virtually absent from the constricted segment of the colon in this patient?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital disorder in which there is an absence of ganglion cells in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses of the distal colon, resulting in an inability to pass feces. The constricted segment of the colon lacks ganglion cells, which are responsible for coordinating normal contractions and relaxation of the intestine. The absence of ganglion cells also leads to a lack of peristalsis in the affected area, which contributes to the accumulation of stool and the development of abdominal distension. Blood flow, circular smooth muscle, mucosa, and serosa are all present in the affected segment of the colon.

A Newborn Boy Does Not Pass Meconium in the First