Defecation Reflex

A presentation by Medical
Laboratory Science 200L

Course Code: PIO 216

Course Title: Gastrointestinal Physiology
 DEFECATION REFLEX
● The *defecation reflex* is the ● 3. *Motor signals* return via *parasympathetic
*involuntary and voluntary process* nerves*, causing:
that controls the *elimination of ● - *Contraction* of rectal muscles
● - *Relaxation* of *internal anal sphincter*
feces* from the rectum through the
(involuntary)
anus.
● 4. *Voluntary control:*
● ---
● - *External anal sphincter* (skeletal muscle)
● *Key Steps:* can be consciously relaxed to allow defecation
● 1. *Rectum fills with feces* → Stretch
receptors are activated. ● - Or contracted to delay it
● 2. *Sensory signals* go to the spinal ● ---
cord (sacral region). ● *Controlled by:*
● - *Autonomic nervous system* (involuntary
part)
● - *Somatic nervous system* (voluntary part)
Acts of Defecation
Defecation is the process by which feces are expelled from the
rectum through the anus. It is a reflex action aided by voluntary
control.
Steps Involved in Defecation
● Filling of Rectum - Mass movement push feces into the rectum, causing
distension.
● Stimulation of Stretch Receptors - Distension activates sensory nerves in
the rectal wall.
● Defecation Reflex - Parasympathetic impulses (pelvic nerves, S2-S4)
causes contraction of rectal muscles and relaxation of internal anal
sphincter.
● Voluntary Control - Relaxation of the external anal sphincter (via
pudendal nerves) when appropriate.
● Expulsion -
○ Contraction of rectal and abdominal muscles.
○ Lowering of the pelvic floor.
○ Feces are expelled through the anal canal.
Defecation
Pathway
The defecation reflex pathway
will be outline in six sequential
stages:
1. Initiation (Rectal Distention)
2. Afferent (Sensory) Pathway
3. Integration Center
4. Efferent (Motor) Pathway
5. Voluntary Control
6. Expulsion
 Initiation (Rectal Distention)
Feces enter the rectum by mass movement from the sigmoid
colon and distends the rectal wall which activates the sensory
nerve ending on this case which is known as the “sensory
receptors”.
Afferent (Sensory) Pathways
Impulses from the nerve
endings are transmitted by
Afferent fibers of pelvic
nerves to the sacral segment
or center of the spinal cord
which is known as the sacral
defecation center (S2-S4).
 Integration Center
The sacral defecation center processes the signal and two reflex arcs
are activated.
Parasympathetic reflex via the pelvic
Intrinsic Reflex: Mediated by the splanchnic nerve, this is stronger and
myenteric plexus. They are also more effective.
known as innate or inborn Origin: The pelvic splanchnic nerve
reflexes, they are practically comes from the anterior spinal nerves
present from birth and do not (S2-S4), emerging from the sacral plexus
require prior learning. Function: The pelvic splanchnic nerves
carry parasympathetic fibers that
contributes to various functions, including
bladder and bowel emptying, and sexual
functions between males and females.
 Efferent (Motor) Pathway
The sacral defecation center after processing, sends
motor or efferent signal which involves;
● Parasympathetic fiber: This causes contraction of
rectal smooth muscle and relaxation of the internal
and sphincter which is also a smooth muscle and
its automatic relaxation allows movement of feces
towards the anal canal. This part of the pathway is
involuntary and controlled by the Autonomic
Nervous System.
● Somatic fibers via the pudendal nerves (a major
nerve in the pelvis) controls the external and
sphincter. This is voluntary so you delay defecation
 Voluntary
Control
Due to the inhibition of
pudendal nerve by impulses
arising from the cerebral
cortex, if defecation is
appropriate, the external anal
sphincter as well as the
puborectalis muscle relaxes. If
not, the external anal
sphincter contraction prevents
defecation.
 Expulsion
The abdominal wall and diaphragm contracts (Valsalva
Maneuver). This increases abdominal pressure and feces is
expelled through the anus.
Application to Physiology
Constipation - This arises from the disruption to defecation reflexes at
various points.
● Delayed defecation - Constantly ignoring the need to defecate can lead
to the rectal wall relaxing, and the stool becomes harder and drier in
the colon, making it more difficult to pas and leading to constipation.
● Impaired rectal sensation - Uncoordinated contraction may affect the
sensation of the presence of stool, hindering the initiation of the reflex.
● Lifestyle factors - Conditions like poor diet, anxiety, lack of exercise,
illnesses, etc can affect nerve signals involved in defecation.