How does an anal fissure cause the anal sphincter to spasm?

  • Thread starter Thread starter bluemoonKY
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cause
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the physiological mechanisms behind anal sphincter spasms associated with anal fissures, particularly focusing on the timing of pain experienced after bowel movements. Participants explore the relationship between anal fissures and sphincter spasms, as well as the underlying reflex mechanisms involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes experiencing delayed pain after bowel movements, attributing it to anal sphincter spasms that are common with anal fissures.
  • Another participant suggests that the spasms are a protective reflex caused by the contraction of sphincters, linked to the sensitivity of the fissured anoderm.
  • A participant challenges the explanation provided, questioning the clarity of the term "reflex arc" and its implications for understanding the mechanism of spasms.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding the nature of reflex arcs, with a focus on the distinction between brain-mediated actions and those originating from the spinal cord.
  • A humorous remark is made about the persistence of sphincter spasms even in the absence of brain function, emphasizing the reflex nature of the response.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the mechanisms of sphincter spasms, with some seeking clarification on technical terms and others providing explanations that are not universally accepted. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise nature of the reflex and its implications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the terminology used, particularly "reflex arc," indicating a potential gap in understanding the physiological processes involved. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the explanations provided.

bluemoonKY
Messages
130
Reaction score
16
I have an anal fissure. When I have a bowel movement, I don't feel any pain while I'm having the bowel movement or even a few minutes later. I start to feel pain about 30 minutes after the bowel movement. I have researched this on the internet, and I have discovered that my delayed pain after a bowel movement is a result of my anal sphincter spasming. This delayed pain after a bowel movement as a result of anal sphincter spasms is apparently fairly common with anal fissures.

What I don't understand is why would a bowel movement cause the anal sphincter to spasm.

When a person has an anal fissure, why does his or her anal sphincter spasm after a bowel movement?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
The spasm is actually caused by action of contraction of sphinters,that is a part of reflex arc,due to the highly sensitive sensory action of fissured anoderm.This is a protective reflex,infact dre and proctoscopy is contraindicated in this medical condition.
 
prasant, you started "the spasm is actually caused by action of contraction of sphincters." Well, yeah, a spasm is a contraction. That does not explain anything to me. Then you said the contraction of sphincters is part of a reflex arc, due to the highly sensitive sensory action of fissured anoderm. What in the nation does that mean?
 
What is a reflex arc?
 
bluemoonKY said:
What is a reflex arc?


We think all actions are results from signals send from the brain. That's not always the case. Other originate from the spinal cord. A reflex is purely mediated through the spinal cord.
 
bluemoonKY said:
prasant, you started "the spasm is actually caused by action of contraction of sphincters." Well, yeah, a spasm is a contraction. That does not explain anything to me. Then you said the contraction of sphincters is part of a reflex arc, due to the highly sensitive sensory action of fissured anoderm. What in the nation does that mean?


It means that if I suffer brain death, my anal sphincter will still suffer spasm whenever I have bowel motions or when a doctor does a digital rectal exam on me. I won't feel the pain though cause I'll be brain dead remember? :)
 

Similar threads

Why does a warm bath cause the anal sphincter to stop spasming?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
Why Apes and Humans don't have Tails
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Why Don't Insulin Needles "Damage" You or Hurt When Poking Yourself?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
6K
Open Label Placebos: How Starting a Treatment Can Still Produce Pain Relief
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Could my back pain be caused by a disc hernia?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
What causes the asymmetry in a symmetrically developing organism?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
COVID Reaction to COVID-19 Vaccine (or what to be prepared for)
  • · Replies 287 ·
10
Replies
287
Views
28K
Fibromyalgia, alternative med, cbd
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Medical Why can't appendicitis be treated with just antibiotics?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Envenomation Story: Surviving a Poisonous Fish Sting in Mauritius
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K