Hirschsprung's disease results from failure of neural crest cell migration into the hindgut, leaving an aganglionic segment. The missing ganglia are those of the:

• A Myenteric (Auerbach's) and submucosal (Meissner's) plexuses ✓
• B Sympathetic chain ganglia
• C Coeliac and superior mesenteric plexus
• D Inferior mesenteric ganglion

Explanation

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is derived from vagal and sacral neural crest cells that migrate cranially to caudally along the gut wall. In Hirschsprung's disease, this migration fails to reach the distal colon, leaving the aganglionic segment without the myenteric (Auerbach's) and submucosal (Meissner's) plexuses. Absence of these intrinsic enteric ganglia leads to sustained contraction (functional obstruction) because inhibitory motor neurones are absent.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.