Sphincter muscle

Sphincter Muscle

The Sphincter Muscle (pronunciation: /ˈsfɪŋ(k)tər ˈmʌsl̩/) is a type of Muscle that has the ability to close off a bodily opening or passage. The term "sphincter" is derived from the Greek word "sphinkter," which means "band" or "girdle."

Etymology

The term "sphincter" is derived from the Greek word "sphinkter," which means "band" or "girdle." This is in reference to the circular shape of these muscles, which allows them to effectively close off bodily passages.

Function

Sphincter muscles are found throughout the body and serve a variety of functions. They are responsible for controlling the passage of liquids and solids in the Digestive system, regulating blood flow in the Circulatory system, and controlling the release of various substances in the Excretory system.

Types of Sphincter Muscles

There are several types of sphincter muscles in the human body, including:

Esophageal Sphincter: This muscle controls the passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach.
Pyloric Sphincter: This muscle controls the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine.
Anal Sphincter: This muscle controls the release of feces from the body.
Urethral Sphincter: This muscle controls the release of urine from the body.

Related Terms

Muscle: A tissue composed of cells or fibers, the contraction of which produces movement in the body.
Digestive system: The system by which ingested food is acted upon by physical and chemical means to provide the body with absorbable nutrients and to excrete waste products.
Circulatory system': The system that circulates blood and lymph through the body, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, blood, lymph, and the lymphatic vessels and glands.
Excretory system: The system that removes excess, unnecessary materials from the body fluids of an organism, so as to help maintain internal chemical homeostasis and prevent damage to the body.