Fecal Continence Revisited

Abstract

Our results support the hypothesis that the component of fecal continence mediated by contraction of the external sphincter depends on a anal external sphincter continence reflex without involving the brain. Presumably, the afferent receptors of this reflex are contact receptors located superficially in the mucosa or submucosa of the distal anal canal. A nonfunctioning anal external sphincter continence reflex would, therefore, result in fecal incontinence (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A116).