Anal wink
Anal Wink
The Anal Wink (pronounced: /ˈeɪnəl wɪŋk/), also known as the Anocutaneous Reflex, is a reflexive response of the anus to physical stimulation. The term is derived from the Latin words "anus", meaning ring, and "cutaneous", meaning skin.
Description
The Anal Wink is a clinical sign used to assess the integrity of the sacral nerves S2-S4. It is performed by lightly stroking the skin around the anus which should cause the sphincter to contract. This reflex is important in determining whether the spinal cord is intact in the sacral region.
Clinical Significance
The absence of the Anal Wink can indicate damage to the sacral region of the spinal cord, or it could be a sign of a neurological disorder. It is often tested in patients with suspected spinal cord injury or neuropathy.
Related Terms
- Anus: The opening at the end of the digestive tract where bowel contents leave the body.
- Sacral nerves: A group of five pairs of spinal nerves that emerge from the sacral vertebrae.
- Spinal cord: The major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and lies within the vertebral canal and from which the spinal nerves emerge.
- Neurological disorder: Any disorder of the body's nervous system. Structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms.
- Spinal cord injury: Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal.
- Neuropathy: Disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anal wink
- Wikipedia's article - Anal wink
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