Surf Wiki
Save to docs
general/rectum

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

Rectoanal inhibitory reflex

Body reflex

Body reflex

The rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), also known as the anal sampling mechanism, anal sampling reflex, rectosphincteric reflex, or anorectal sampling reflex, is a reflex characterized by a transient involuntary relaxation of the internal anal sphincter in response to distention of the rectum. The RAIR provides the upper anal canal with the ability to discriminate between flatus and fecal material.

The ability of the rectum to discriminate between gaseous, liquid and solid contents is essential to the ability to voluntarily control defecation. The RAIR allows for voluntary flatulation to occur without also eliminating solid waste, irrespective of the presence of fecal material in the anal canal.

Reflex arc

The physiological basis for the RAIR is poorly understood, but it is thought to involve a coordinated response by the internal anal sphincter to rectal distention with recovery of anal pressure from the distal to the proximal sphincter.

Clinical significance

Impairment of this reflex can result in fecal incontinence. The absence of a RAIR is pathognomonic for Hirschsprung's disease.

References

References

  1. (February 1998). "Parameters of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex in patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence and chronic constipation". Diseases of the Colon and Rectum.
  2. (2014). "Gastrointestinal Physiology". Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill.
  3. (January 2004). "Pathophysiology of adult fecal incontinence". Gastroenterology.
  4. (August 2005). "Interstitial cells of Cajal are involved in the afferent limb of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex". Gut.
  5. (2005). "Complex Anorectal Disorders: Investigation and Management". Springer Science+Business Media.
  6. (November 1998). "The recto-anal inhibitory reflex: abnormal response in diabetics suggests an intrinsic neuroenteropathy". Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
  7. (June 2008). "Neurophysiological testing in anorectal disorders". Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

rectum excretion
Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about Rectoanal inhibitory reflex — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report