Sphincter: meaning, definitions and examples

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sphincter

 

[ หˆsfiล‹ktษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

muscular structure

A sphincter is a circular muscle that constricts or relaxes to open and close a passage or opening in the body. Sphincters are found in various parts of the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. They play a crucial role in controlling the flow of substances and maintaining bodily functions. Dysfunction or abnormalities in sphincter muscles can lead to various medical conditions.

Synonyms

constrictor, muscle, valve

Examples of usage

  • The anal sphincter controls bowel movements.
  • The lower esophageal sphincter prevents acid reflux.
  • The external urethral sphincter regulates urination.
  • Sphincterotomy is a surgical procedure to treat sphincter dysfunction.

Translations

Translations of the word "sphincter" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น esfรญncter

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคซเคฟเค‚เค•เฅเคŸเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sphinkter

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sfinkter

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั„ั–ะฝะบั‚ะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zwieracz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‹ฌ็ด„็ญ‹ (ใ‹ใคใ‚„ใใใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sphincter

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ esfรญnter

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sfinkter

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ด„์•ฝ๊ทผ (gwal-yak-geun)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุถู„ุฉ ู…ุตุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sphincter

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sphincter

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‹ฌ็บฆ่‚Œ (kuรฒyuฤ“jฤซ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sfinkter

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sphincter

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั„ะธะฝะบั‚ะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒžแƒ˜แƒœแƒฅแƒขแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sfinkter

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ esfรญnter

Word origin

The word 'sphincter' comes from the Greek word 'sphinktฤ“r', which means 'a binder' or 'to bind'. This term is derived from the verb 'sphingein', which means 'to squeeze' or 'to tighten'. The usage of the term in medical anatomy dates back to the early 19th century, as anatomists began to study human muscle functions in greater detail. The concept of sphincters itself has been recognized since ancient times, but the formal classification and understanding of their role in the body has evolved significantly over the centuries. As medical science advances, sphincters continue to be a focus of research, especially in fields such as gastroenterology and urology.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,773, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.