Quantification of neurological and other contributors to continence in female rats

► Urethral striated muscles provide the largest single contribution to continence. ► Supraspinal control contributes to continence reflexes during rapid pressure changes. ► Abdominal pressure contributes to continence during rapid pressure changes. ► Rapid pressure increases recruit more reflex responses than slow pressure changes. ► Mucosal coaptation and elasticity contribute less but significantly to continence.