Physiology Lecture 16: Defecation Mechanisms
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Physiology Lecture 16: Defecation Mechanisms

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Questions and Answers

What physiological process triggers the defecation reflex?

  • Distension of the rectum (correct)
  • Contraction of the abdominal muscles
  • Stretching of the colon
  • Relaxation of the anal sphincters
  • Which structure prevents the reflux of colonic contents into the sterile ileum?

  • Colon
  • Ileocecal valve (correct)
  • Rectum
  • Anal sphincter
  • What is the typical frequency of bowel movements in most individuals?

  • Once every two days
  • 4 to 5 times daily
  • 1 to 3 times daily (correct)
  • 1 to 2 times weekly
  • The ileocecal valve opens due to which of the following conditions?

    <p>Increased ileal pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which systems are coordinated for the complex function of defecation?

    <p>Gastrointestinal, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the anal sphincters during defecation?

    <p>Control the expulsion of feces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological event primarily leads to stool formation?

    <p>Absorption of water and electrolytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT influence the frequency of defecation?

    <p>Ambient temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily influences gastrointestinal secretions and local blood flow?

    <p>The enteric plexuses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which receptor type is responsible for detecting mechanical events such as stretching in the gastrointestinal tract?

    <p>Mechanoreceptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which enteric plexus primarily regulates gastrointestinal tract movements?

    <p>Myenteric plexus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the enteric plexuses communicate with the central nervous system?

    <p>Through vagal, pelvic, and splanchnic nerves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of receptors respond to the presence of nutrients and end products of digestion in the gastrointestinal lumen?

    <p>Chemoreceptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effect of stimulating the receptors in the gastrointestinal tract?

    <p>Amplification of hormone secretion into the bloodstream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes reflexes that originate outside the digestive system?

    <p>Long reflexes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is NOT part of the extrinsic neurons connected to the gastrointestinal system?

    <p>Intrinsic afferents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is another name for the enteric nervous system (ENS)?

    <p>Mini brain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the enteric nervous system located?

    <p>Within the wall of the digestive tract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following pathways is involved in the sensory flow of information to the intrinsic interstitial cells?

    <p>Extrinsic afferents from the GI system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do gastrointestinal peptides play in the regulation of GI activities?

    <p>They regulate both internal and external reflexes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure receives outflow from both intrinsic and extrinsic control systems?

    <p>The gastrointestinal tract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the autonomic nervous system includes both intrinsic and extrinsic components for GI control?

    <p>Enteric nervous system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary composition of an average adult's feces?

    <p>25% dry matter, 33% bacteria, 42% other substances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which muscles are primarily responsible for the closure of the anus?

    <p>Voluntary external sphincter and internal sphincter muscles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nerve stimulates the contraction of the external anal sphincter muscle?

    <p>Pudendal nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prevents the continual dribble of fecal matter through the anus?

    <p>Tonic contraction of anal sphincter muscles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average daily output of stool for an adult?

    <p>200-250 mL per 24 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component makes up about one-third of the dry matter in feces?

    <p>Bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the puborectalis muscle play in maintaining continence?

    <p>Increases the angle between the anus and rectum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the internal anal sphincter muscle?

    <p>It contracts intrinsically or due to sympathetic stimulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary function of Cholecystokinin (CCK)?

    <p>It inhibits stomach contraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who discovered Secretin as the first GIT hormone?

    <p>W.M. Bayliss and E.H. Starling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate?

    <p>Secretin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During fasting, which hormone stimulates the migrating motor complex?

    <p>Motilin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does Glucagon-Like Peptide I have on gastric emptying?

    <p>It slows gastric emptying.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which trigger prompts the I cells of the duodenum and jejunum to secrete Cholecystokinin (CCK)?

    <p>Fatty acids and monoglycerides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the effects of Secretin on gastric acid secretion?

    <p>It inhibits gastric acid secretion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is involved in moderating appetite during meals?

    <p>Cholecystokinin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Defecation Mechanisms

    • Defecation refers to the expulsion of feces from the digestive tract through the anus.
    • Triggered by the distension of the rectum, defecation is a spinal reflex and requires coordinated efforts from the gastrointestinal, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems.
    • Frequency of bowel movements varies by age and diet, with most individuals defecating 1 to 3 times daily.

    Important Structures

    • Ileocecal Valve: Connects the ileum to the cecum, preventing backflow of colonic contents. It opens with peristalsis and is regulated by pressures in the ileum and colon.
    • Anal Sphincters: Comprised of internal (involuntary) and external (voluntary) sphincters, both tonically contracted to maintain anal closure and continence.

    Stool Formation and Composition

    • Average daily fecal output for adults is 60-80 g; diarrhea can increase this to over 200 g.
    • Feces consist of approx. 1/4 dry matter, 1/3 of which is bacteria.
    • Typical input includes 1 to 2 L of isotonic chyme and output is around 200-250 mL of stool per 24 hours.

    Maintenance of Continence

    • Continence is regulated by the transverse rectal fold, puborectal muscles, and anal sphincters.
    • Tonic contraction of sphincters prevents the leakage of fecal matter, maintaining a 90-degree angle between the anus and rectum to inhibit defecation.

    Control of Gastrointestinal Functions

    • GI functions are influenced by sensory input to intrinsic (enteric) and extrinsic nervous systems.
    • Regulatory mechanisms include long reflexes (external), short reflexes (within the GI), and gastrointestinal peptides.

    Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

    • ENS, termed the "mini brain," operates throughout the digestive tract, managing secretions and blood flow.
    • Myenteric Plexus: Positioned between muscle layers, it primarily controls GI movements. Plexuses communicate via interneurons and connect to the CNS through various nerves.

    Receptors in the ENS

    • Mechanoreceptors: Detect stretching in gut walls.
    • Chemoreceptors/Osmoreceptors: Monitor nutrients, osmolality, and pH in the GI lumen.
    • Initiate reflexes that modulate digestive juices and smooth muscle contractions.

    Hormonal Control of GI Functions

    • Cholecystokinin (CCK): Secreted in response to fats; stimulates gallbladder contraction, inhibits gastric emptying, and promotes intestinal motility.
    • Secretin: Released in response to gastric acid; inhibits gastric emptying and acid secretion while promoting bicarbonate secretion from the pancreas.
    • Motilin: Stimulates the migrating motor complex during fasting; secreted by endocrine cells in the small intestine.
    • Glucagon-Like Peptide I: Slows gastric emptying, playing a role in digestion regulation.

    Defecation Reflexes

    • Utilizes coordinated muscle contractions and neural pathways to facilitate the elimination of stool when the rectum is distended.

    Pathophysiology

    • Alterations in the mechanisms of defecation may lead to disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, or incontinence, highlighting the importance of both neural and hormonal regulation in maintaining gastrointestinal health.

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    Description

    This quiz covers Lecture 16 of Physiology, focusing on defecation mechanisms and the regulation of gastrointestinal functions. Participants will explore essential structures and their roles in these processes. Understanding these topics is crucial for students in the medical and health sciences field.

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