A 32-Year-Old Man Is Evaluated for Bowel Dysfunction

A 32-year-old man is evaluated for bowel dysfunction.  The patient suffered multiple injuries during a motor vehicle collision 6 months ago.  He was hospitalized for several weeks and is currently undergoing treatment with physical therapy.  Since the injury, the patient has developed severe constipation with occasional fecal incontinence.  Evaluation reveals a large amount of stool in the distal colon due to impaired motor function.  Anal sphincter tone is decreased.  Injury to which of the following structures best explains this patient's bowel dysfunction?

A) Cervical spinal cord
B) Pudendal nerve
C) Sacral spinal cord
D) Thoracic spinal cord
E) Vagus nerve nucleus

Correct Answer:

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