Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Which area of the spinal cord controls bladder, bowel, and sexual functioning?

1. C1-C3

2. T10-T12

3. S2-S4

4. L1-L3

The correct answer is: S2-S4

The area of the spinal cord that controls bladder, bowel, and sexual functioning is the sacral region, specifically segments S2 to S4. These spinal cord segments are critically involved in the autonomic and somatic nervous systems and play a key role in the regulation of pelvic organ function. The sacral spinal nerves innervate the pelvic floor muscles and provide the necessary nerve supply for the bladder and bowel control, as well as sexual function. Understanding this zone's importance highlights its role in the autonomic regulation of the bladder, which is responsible for storage and voiding of urine, and the bowel's function related to stool storage and elimination. Additionally, sexual arousal and erectile function are also influenced by these segments of the spinal cord due to their connections to the pelvic organs. Other segments of the spinal cord mentioned in the choices do not share the same level of control over these specific functions. For example, higher spinal cord levels such as C1-C3 predominantly influence respiratory function and neck movement, while T10-T12 primarily affect lower extremity movement and trunk stability. L1-L3 encompasses some lower extremity motor function but does not directly relate to the autonomic functions of the bowel, bladder, or sexual response mechanisms as effectively as S