Sphincter - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A sphincter is a ring-shaped muscle that contracts to close or relaxes to open a passage in the body, such as those controlling digestion or urination. It regulates flow between organs.
Definition:
A ring-shaped muscle that contracts to close an opening in the body.
Synonyms:
valve, constrictor, muscle ring
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
dilator, opener
Common Collocations:
anal sphincter, esophageal sphincter, urinary sphincter
Derivatives:
sphincteral, sphincteric
Usage Tips:
Use "sphincter" to refer to specific muscles controlling openings like the esophagus or anus in medical or anatomical contexts.
Common Phrases:
tight as a sphincter, sphincter control, relax the sphincter
Etymology:
From Greek "sphinkter," meaning "that which binds tight," derived from "sphingein" (to bind).
Examples:
- 1. The doctor examined his esophageal sphincter for signs of dysfunction.
- 2. She focused on relaxing her sphincter muscles during childbirth.
- 3. The anal sphincter helps maintain continence by contracting when needed.
- 4. Damage to the urinary sphincter can lead to incontinence issues.