Congenital absence of myenteric and submucosal plexuses in the colon is characteristic of?

The congenital absence of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses in the colon is a hallmark characteristic of Hirschsprung disease, also known as congenital aganglionic megacolon. In this condition, a segment of the colon lacks the nerve cells that are essential for normal peristalsis, leading to a narrowing of that segment and subsequent obstruction. The absence of these nerve plexuses prevents the smooth muscle of the bowel from relaxing and contracting effectively, causing significant difficulties in bowel movements and potentially leading to severe constipation or intestinal obstruction.

The involvement of the myenteric plexus is crucial for coordinating muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract, while the submucosal plexus is responsible for regulating functions such as blood flow and absorption. The result of having no innervation in the affected segment leads to a functional obstruction, as the proximal bowel becomes distended due to the accumulation of stool.

While Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are types of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect bowel function, they do not involve the congenital absence of nerve plexuses. Intestinal atresia refers to an obstruction due to a discontinuity of the intestinal lumen, which is a different pathological process. Thus, the presence of absent myenteric