In infants, defecation often follows a meal. The cause Gastroileal reflex of colonic contractions in this situation is: (A) Gastroileal reflex, (B) Enterogastric reflex, (C) Increased circulating levels of GCR, (D) Gastrocolic - reflex
Answer is D. Gastrocolic reflex refers to the contraction of colon induced by entry of food into the stomach. This reflex results in an urge to defaecate after a meal. Because of this, defaecation after meals is a rule in children.However, in adults, the bowel training suppresses this reflex. Ref: Medical physiology, Indu Khurana