sphincter Hear it!

sphincter Definition

sphinc·ter (sfiŋktər)

noun

Anat. a ring-shaped muscle that surrounds a natural opening in the body and can open or close it by expanding or contracting

Etymology: LL < Gr sphinktēr < sphingein, to draw close < IE *spheig- < base *spēi-, to flourish, grow thick > speed, spare

sphincter Related Forms
sphinc·teral adjective
sphincter Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • relax: Caffeine also relaxes the pyloric sphincter ( the valve at the top of the stomach ), which can exacerbate problems of acid reflux.
  • call: There are tight muscles called sphincters which keep the anus closed at all other times.
  • cut: This can be done by cutting the internal anal sphincter in an operation called a lateral sphincterotomy.
  • allow: Feeling confident you have the muscle tone required for a controlled venting operation, you allow the sphincter to slightly relax.

Adjective modifier

  • pyloric: The part of the stomach that controls the movement of food from stomach to duodenum is called the pyloric sphincter.
  • urethral: The internal urethral sphincter is found where the urethra joins the base of the bladder.
  • oesophageal: The trouble is caused by the faulty oesophageal sphincter, the muscular ring at the lower end of the esophagus, near the diaphragm.
  • anal: The spasm of the internal anal sphincter can also restrict the blood supply to the anal skin, which reduces its ability to heal.
  • esophageal: Esophageal manometric study will allow us to evaluate the competency of the lower esophageal sphincter; the competency will help to prevent gastroesophageal reflux.
  • urinary: If the PFM, urinary sphincters or nerve supply are impaired a loss of continence may occur.

Modifies a noun

  • incompetence: She goes on to say: Stress incontinence is the symptom of leaking urine coincidentally with physical exertion due to urethral sphincter incompetence.
  • muscle: The drugs work by relaxing the sphincter muscles to increase the flow of urine.
  • tone: It is also recorded that she had problems passing water with possible loss of sphincter tone.
  • mechanism: Disadvantages Patient needs a compliant bladder and competent sphincter mechanism.
  • pressure: Theophylline, nitrates, and calcium-channel blockers may reduce lower oesophageal sphincter pressure.
  • function: Urinary retention and constipation are common in the acute stage, but later on sphincter function recovers.

Noun used with modifier

  • bladder: Around 50 % develop bladder sphincter symptoms such as urgency, but anal sphincter disturbance is rare.
  • and/or: One trial involving 40 participants was eligible for both the electrical stimulation and the biofeedback and/or sphincter exercises reviews.
  • gullet: The change that pregnancy brings to the balance of the hormones also leads to a general relaxation of the gullet sphincter.
  • biofeedback: One trial involving 40 participants was eligible for both the electrical stimulation and the biofeedback and/or sphincter exercises reviews.