SPHINCTER MUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
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A sphincter muscle is a circular muscle found in the body that is responsible for controlling the flow of various substances through certain organs or openings. It functions by contracting and relaxing, thereby regulating the passage of fluids, gases, or other substances in the body.
One of the most well-known sphincter muscles is the anal sphincter, found in the anus. It serves to control the release of feces from the rectum and into the anal canal. By contracting, the anal sphincter prevents involuntary elimination and allows for voluntary defecation.
Other examples include the lower esophageal sphincter, which separates the esophagus from the stomach and regulates the passage of food and stomach acid, and the urinary sphincter, which controls the release of urine from the bladder through the urethra.
Sphincter muscles are often involuntary, meaning they operate without conscious control. However, some can also be controlled voluntarily, particularly those located in the anus. This ability to control certain sphincters voluntarily allows individuals to govern bodily functions and maintain continence.
Overall, sphincter muscles can be found in numerous areas of the body, each serving a specific function by contracting and relaxing to regulate the flow of substances through various organs and openings.
Common Misspellings for SPHINCTER MUSCLE
- aphincter muscle
- zphincter muscle
- xphincter muscle
- dphincter muscle
- ephincter muscle
- wphincter muscle
- sohincter muscle
- slhincter muscle
- s-hincter muscle
- s0hincter muscle
- spgincter muscle
- spbincter muscle
- spnincter muscle
- spjincter muscle
- spuincter muscle
- spyincter muscle
- sphuncter muscle
- sphjncter muscle
- sphkncter muscle
Etymology of SPHINCTER MUSCLE
The word "sphincter" comes from the Greek word "sphingktḗr", which means "band" or "tightening". This is derived from the verb "sphíngō", meaning "to tighten" or "to constrict". The term "muscle" originates from the Latin word "musculus", which means "little mouse". This is because the contraction of muscles was thought to resemble the movement of a mouse. Thus, "sphincter muscle" refers to a circular muscle that contracts and constricts an opening or passage.
Similar spelling word for SPHINCTER MUSCLE
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