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Physiology of Defecation

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Benign Anorectal Disorders

Abstract

Defecation is a reflex provoked through a sacral arc by distention of the rectum. In infancy, the evacuation of the rectum occurs reflexly. The development of the control over defecation reflex is associated with the growth of inhibition over it. The cerebral cortex cannot only inhibit the reflex but can also initiate it when suitable circumstances are available for voiding. Thus, continence is an acquired capacity to suppress the natural urge to defecate. When this capacity is impaired, incontinence occurs.

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Correspondence to Rauf A. Wani MS, MRCS .

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© 2016 Springer India

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Wani, R.A., Thakur, N. (2016). Physiology of Defecation. In: Chowdri, N., Parray, F. (eds) Benign Anorectal Disorders. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2589-8_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2589-8_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New Delhi

  • Print ISBN: 978-81-322-2588-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-81-322-2589-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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