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Rectum - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:26, 17 July 2008
, 10:26, 17 July 2008→Function
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*The reflex causes a forceful contraction of the rectum, and relaxation of the internal anal sphincter.
*The reflex causes a forceful contraction of the rectum, and relaxation of the internal anal sphincter.
**This produces the conscious sensation of the need to empty the bowel.
**This produces the conscious sensation of the need to empty the bowel.
−**Some species (see [[#Species Differences|species differences]]) are able to voluntarily keep the external anal sphincter closed if defeacation is not suitable for the situation.
+**Some species (see [[#Species Differences|species differences]]) are able to voluntarily keep the external anal sphincter closed if defeacation is not suitable in the situation.
***This reduces the defeaction reflex and reduces the conscious perception of needing to empty the bowel, until another mass movement occurs and a fresh reflex is created.
***This reduces the defeaction reflex and reduces the conscious perception of needing to empty the bowel, until another mass movement occurs and a fresh reflex is created.