QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect as the question asks about bowel control after the injury, not urine control.
10023534
e
Loss of voiding urine control
QuestionChoice
As the lesion is above T12, the enteric nervous system and afferent spinal pathways are intact. These pathways allow the defecation reflex to occur even though the patient will have lost sensation in the bowel, meaning they will not know when their rectum is full.
10023530
a
The defecation reflex remains intact
QuestionChoice
In lesions above and below T12, there is a loss of descending control of the bowel, meaning that bowel sensation and the voluntary control to defecate are lost.
10023531
b
Bowel sensation remains intact
QuestionChoice
This only occurs when the spinal injury is below T12. This is because, below the T12 level, there is a loss of afferent neurons from the bowel to the brain, meaning that the defecation reflex and tone of the anal sphincters are lost.
10023532
c
Loss of reflex tone of anal sphincters
QuestionChoice
This only occurs when the spinal injury is below T12. This is because, below the T12 level, there is a loss of afferent neurons from the bowel to the brain, meaning that the defecation reflex and tone of the anal sphincters are lost.
10023533
d
Loss of defecation reflex
Concept
Chapter
2693
4234
Structure and innervation of the GI tract
Topic
149
Gastro-intestinal physiology
17104
A 39-year-old male is brought to the emergency department following a car accident. They have a full-body trauma CT which shows a spinal cord injury at T11.

What is the correct statement regarding this patient's bowel control with this injury?
a