Hirschsprung colon is due to ?
**Core Concept**
Hirschsprung colon, also known as congenital aganglionosis, is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal colon and rectum. This leads to a functional obstruction due to the accumulation of fecal matter, resulting in severe constipation, abdominal distension, and other complications.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The absence of ganglion cells in Hirschsprung colon is due to the failure of neural crest cells to migrate during embryonic development. Normally, these cells migrate to the distal colon and rectum, where they differentiate into ganglion cells, which regulate peristalsis and bowel movements. In Hirschsprung colon, this migration is disrupted, resulting in a segment of aganglionic colon that is unable to relax and pass stool, leading to a functional obstruction.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Hirschsprung colon is not caused by a genetic mutation in the MYBPC3 gene, which is associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because Hirschsprung colon is not caused by an infection or inflammation of the colon, but rather a congenital defect in neural crest cell migration.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because Hirschsprung colon is not caused by a tumor or malignancy in the colon, but rather a developmental abnormality.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The absence of ganglion cells in Hirschsprung colon can be confirmed by a rectal biopsy, which shows an absence of submucosal ganglion cells and an increase in the number of nerve trunks and fibers.
**Correct Answer:** D. Failure of neural crest cells to migrate during embryonic development.