RECTAL REFLEX Meaning and
Definition
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The "rectal reflex" is a physiological response occurring in the human body as a result of the stimulation of the rectum. It is an involuntary reflex involving the contraction and relaxation of muscles in the rectal region, mediating the release or retention of feces or gas. This reflex is a vital mechanism in the process of defecation and contributes to maintaining bowel regularity.
When the rectum becomes distended due to the presence of fecal matter or gas, specialized nerve endings in the rectal lining are stimulated, triggering the rectal reflex. This reflex initiates a cascade of events, including the contraction of the rectal muscles, known as rectal contraction, and the relaxation of the internal anal sphincter, which is the muscle that typically keeps the anus closed. These coordinated muscular actions create the necessary forces to propel feces towards the anus, facilitating its elimination during a bowel movement.
Conversely, the rectal reflex also enables the body to temporarily retain feces or gas under certain circumstances, such as the absence of a suitable environment for defecation. In such cases, the rectal reflex aids in maintaining continence, ensuring that fecal matter or gas is not expelled until a more appropriate time or location.
The rectal reflex is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the regulation of involuntary bodily functions. Disruptions in the rectal reflex can lead to problems such as constipation or fecal incontinence, highlighting the significance of this reflex in maintaining optimal gastrointestinal function.
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The entrance of fecal matter into the rectum from the sigmoid colon causes an impulse to defecate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RECTAL REFLEX
- eectal reflex
- dectal reflex
- fectal reflex
- tectal reflex
- 5ectal reflex
- 4ectal reflex
- rwctal reflex
- rsctal reflex
- rdctal reflex
- rrctal reflex
- r4ctal reflex
- r3ctal reflex
- rextal reflex
- revtal reflex
- reftal reflex
- redtal reflex
- recral reflex
- recfal reflex
- recgal reflex
Etymology of RECTAL REFLEX
The word "rectal" refers to the rectum, which is the final section of the large intestine that connects to the anus. The term "reflex" refers to an involuntary or automatic response of the body to a stimulus.
The etymology of "rectal" can be traced back to the Latin word "rectum", meaning "straight". This Latin term was derived from the Latin verb "regere", meaning "to rule" or "to govern", as the rectum was thought to be the straight part of the intestines, governing the passage of waste.
On the other hand, "reflex" comes from the Latin word "reflexus", which means "bent back" or "reflected". It was derived from the past participle of the Latin verb "reficere", meaning "to bend back" or "to turn back".
Similar spelling words for RECTAL REFLEX
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