Anatomical Sphincter (Noun)
Meaning
A ring of muscle that contracts to close an opening.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The anatomical sphincter around the esophagus helps prevent food from being regurgitated back into the mouth.
- The pubococcygeus muscle functions as an anatomical sphincter to constrict the pelvic cavity during childbirth and urination.
- The internal urethral sphincter serves as an anatomical sphincter that maintains continence by tightening around the urethra.
- The pyloric sphincter, an anatomical sphincter located between the stomach and the small intestine, regulates the passage of partially digested food.
- The anal sphincter, an anatomical sphincter surrounding the anus, helps control the release of stool during bowel movements.