Korean J Pediatr.  2008 Nov;51(11):1136-1139. 10.3345/kjp.2008.51.11.1136.

Urinary incontinence: Anatomy and physiology of bladder and bowel

• Lee JW

• KMID: 2280234
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2008.51.11.1136

Abstract

The genitourinary tract and gastrointestinal system are interdependent but share the same embryological origin, pelvic region, and sacral innervation. Although children with voiding disturbances often present with bowel dysfunction, this coexistence was considered coincidental until recently. However, it is now accepted that dysfunction in emptying of both systems is interrelated. Afferent impulses carrying sensory information are transmitted through the spinal cord and brainstem toward several cortical and subcortical areas, resulting in conscious control of the bladder and bowel. Alteration in these afferent pathways can result in dysfunction, including urinary and fecal incontinence. Distal gastrointestinal tract problems such as constipation might induce an inhibitory rectovesical reflex that interferes with normal voiding. Therefore, lower urinary tract function seems to be closely associated with distal gastrointestinal tract function.

Keyword

Urinary incontinence; Bladder; Constipation

MeSH Terms

Afferent Pathways
Brain Stem
Child
Constipation
Fecal Incontinence
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Lifting
Pelvis
Reflex
Spinal Cord
Urinary Bladder
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Tract