sphincter
Bodily opening controller
A sphincter is a ring-shaped muscle that surrounds and can constrict a bodily opening or passage.
The human body has several, including those controlling the anus, bladder, and stomach entrance.
When a sphincter contracts, it closes the opening; when it relaxes, the opening widens.
The anal sphincter is probably the most commonly referenced, particularly in crude humor or medical contexts.
The doctor explained that the sphincter muscle wasn't functioning properly.
Posterior digestive opening
- urethraUrinary exit canal
- esophagusFood tube to stomach
- pylorusStomach's lower opening
- cardiaStomach's upper aperture
rectum · colon · duodenum · bladder · stoma · pharynx · anal canal · internal
Control over bodily functions
- closureSense of emotional resolution
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- valveFluid flow controller
- occlusionComplete closure or blockage
opening · seal · passage · swallowing · defecation · micturition · urination · bowel control
Reduction in size
- relaxationState of being unwound
- circularForming a closed curve
- annularRing-shaped, with hole
- smooth muscleInvoluntary contractile tissue
striated · tone · spasm · innervation · autonomic · somatic · peristalsis · manometry
Widening of an opening
- biofeedbackTraining via physiological monitoring
- pelvic floorMuscles supporting abdominal organs
- manometryMeasuring pressure in fluids
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
banding · colonoscopy · endoscopy · anorectal · diagnosis · treatment · surgery · strengthening
anus
Posterior digestive opening
cardia · rectum · colon · duodenum · bladder · stoma · pharynx · anal canal · internal · external
continence
Control over bodily functions
- closureSense of emotional resolution
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- valveFluid flow controller
occlusion · opening · seal · passage · swallowing · defecation · micturition · urination · bowel control · bladder control
contraction
Reduction in size
- relaxationState of being unwound
- circularForming a closed curve
- annularRing-shaped, with hole
smooth muscle · striated · tone · spasm · innervation · autonomic · somatic · peristalsis · manometry · electromyography
dilation
Widening of an opening
- biofeedbackTraining via physiological monitoring
- pelvic floorMuscles supporting abdominal organs
- manometryMeasuring pressure in fluids
rehabilitation · banding · colonoscopy · endoscopy · anorectal · diagnosis · treatment · surgery · strengthening · therapy
incontinence
Inability to retain waste
- strictureLimiting rule or censure
- stenosisAbnormal bodily narrowing
- achalasiaEsophageal motility disorder
spasm · laxity · leakage · reflux · prolapse · fistula · hemorrhoids · fissure · dysfunction · weakness
- anorectal anatomyanal canal, anus, rectum, anal glands, mucosa
- anatomybrain, heart, bones, liver, stomach
- digestionstomach acid, swallowing, digesting, chewing, digestion
- muscle systemmuscle, biceps, triceps, deltoid, deltoids
- musclesmuscle, biceps, triceps, abs, hamstrings
- Intestinesintestine, intestines, small intestine, large intestine, bowel