Effects of rectal distensions on nociceptive flexion reflexes in humans

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of rectal distensions on a somatic nociceptive flexion RIII reflex as part of additional research on human visceral sensations and viscerasomatic interactions. Results indicate that rectal distensions in humans induce different effects on the RIII nociceptive flexion reflex based on the location of recording and the mode of distension. Further, these different modes of distension appear to activate two functionally distinct types of rectal mechanoreceptor.