Sphincter Hypertonia is a condition where the ring-like muscle that controls the opening and closing of the anus, bladder, or other openings in the body becomes overly tight. The spelling of the word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /sfɪŋk'tər haɪpər'toʊniə/. This means it is pronounced as "Sfing-ter Hi-per-toh-nee-a". People suffering from Sphincter Hypertonia may experience difficulty passing stool or urine, and may require medical treatment to alleviate the symptoms.
Sphincter hypertonia refers to a medical condition characterized by an abnormal increase in tone or tension of the muscles in the sphincter, a circular muscle that controls the opening and closing of a tubular structure in the body. This condition can affect various sphincters in the body, including the anal sphincter, urinary sphincter, or the muscles that control the flow of bile or pancreatic juice into the small intestine.
When sphincter hypertonia occurs, the affected muscles become overly contracted or constricted, leading to a reduction in their normal relaxation or opening ability. This results in difficulty or inability to control the passage of fluids or substances through the affected sphincter. For example, in the case of anal sphincter hypertonia, individuals may experience difficulty in passing stool, leading to constipation or fecal incontinence.
Sphincter hypertonia can have various underlying causes, including neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease. In some cases, it may also be a result of muscle disorders or certain medications. Treatment for sphincter hypertonia generally focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. This may involve physical therapy to improve muscle control, medication to relax the muscles, or in severe cases, surgical intervention to relieve the constriction.
Overall, sphincter hypertonia is a condition characterized by increased muscle tone in the sphincter muscles, leading to impaired functioning and potential difficulties in controlling bodily functions.
The word "sphincter" originates from the Greek word "sphínggōn", meaning "band" or "sling". It entered the English language in the 16th century, referring to a ring of muscle that contracts to close an opening or passage in the body.
"Hypertonia" is derived from the Greek words "hyper", meaning "excess" or "over", and "tonos", meaning "tension" or "tone". In medical terminology, hypertonia refers to increased muscle tension or stiffness.
Therefore, "sphincter hypertonia" combines these two terms to describe a condition in which there is excessive tension or increased muscle tone in the sphincter muscle. The etymology of the word "sphincter hypertonia" is a combination of Greek and Latin roots and reflects the medical terminology used to describe the condition.