A new urethroanal reflex revealed by sphincter electromyography.
Anal sphincter electromyography carried out during dilatation of the anesthetized urethra revealed a reflexogenic zone at the bladder neck, dilatation of which causes contraction of the anal sphincter. This reflex appears to be separate and distinct from previously described reflexes of the bulbocavernosus type which are triggered by somatic sensory stimuli. A possible role of this reflex in the separation of the functions of micturition and defecation is postulated.
D001003:Anal Canal / Q000502:physiology*; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012018:Reflex; D014521:Urethra / Q000502:physiology*