Definition of Sphincter

1. Noun. A ring of muscle that contracts to close an opening.

Exact synonyms: Anatomical Sphincter, Sphincter Muscle
Generic synonyms: Muscle, Musculus
Specialized synonyms: Physiological Sphincter, Anal Sphincter, Musculus Sphincter Ani, Sphincter Ani, Musculus Sphincter Urethrae, Urethral Sphincter, Bladder Sphincter, Musculus Sphincter Vesicae, Musculus Sphincter Ductus Choledochi, Musculus Sphincter Ductus Pancreatici, Musculus Sphincter Pupillae, Pupillary Sphincter, Musculus Sphincter Pylori, Pyloric Sphincter, Pyloric Valve

Definition of Sphincter

1. n. A muscle which surrounds, and by its contraction tends to close, a natural opening; as, the sphincter of the bladder.

2. a. Of, pertaining to, or designating, a sphincter; as, a sphincter muscle.

Definition of Sphincter

1. Noun. (anatomy) A ringlike band of muscle that surrounds a bodily opening, constricting and relaxing as required for normal physiological functioning. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Sphincter

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Sphincter

1. A ringlike band of muscle fibres that constricts a passage or closes a natural orifice, also called musculus sphincter. Origin: L., Gr. Sphinkter = that which binds tight This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Sphincter

spherular
spherulate
spherule
spherules
spherulite
spherulites
spherulitic
sphery
sphex
sphexes
sphexide
sphexides
sphexish
sphexishness
sphincter (current term)
sphincter-puppet
sphincter angularis
sphincter ani
sphincter ani tertius
sphincter antri
sphincter constrictor cardiae
sphincter intermedius
sphincter muscle
sphincter muscle of common bile duct
sphincter muscle of pancreatic duct
sphincter muscle of pupil
sphincter muscle of pylorus

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