Which spinal segment is associated with the viscerosomatic reflex of the gallbladder?

Prepare for the COMAT Surgery Exam with our quiz. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The viscerosomatic reflex associated with the gallbladder primarily involves the T5 to T10 spinal segments. This is due to the embryological development of the gallbladder and its innervation. The gallbladder is innervated by the visceral afferent fibers that travel back through the autonomic nervous system, with the sympathetic contribution originating from the thoracolumbar region.

Specifically, irritation or disease of the gallbladder can cause referred pain that is felt in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and may radiate to areas supplied by the T5 to T10 dermatome, such as the shoulder or scapula, due to this viscerosomatic connection. This is why the response involving the T5 to T10 spinal segments is considered correct; it reflects the physiological relationship between a visceral organ and the corresponding somatic nerve roots that convey sensation related to that organ.

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