Urethral sphincter
Urethral Sphincter
The urethral sphincter (pronounced: yoo-REE-thrul SFINK-ter) is a group of muscles that control the release of urine from the urethra. The urethral sphincter is part of the urinary system, which also includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Etymology
The term "urethral sphincter" is derived from the Greek words "ourethra" meaning "urine" and "sphinkter" meaning "band" or "girdle".
Anatomy
The urethral sphincter is composed of two parts: the internal urethral sphincter and the external urethral sphincter. The internal urethral sphincter is a smooth muscle that is involuntary, meaning it cannot be consciously controlled. The external urethral sphincter is a skeletal muscle that is voluntary, meaning it can be consciously controlled.
Function
The primary function of the urethral sphincter is to control the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra. When the muscles of the urethral sphincter contract, they close off the urethra, preventing the flow of urine. When they relax, they allow urine to flow from the bladder and out of the body.
Related Terms
- Urinary incontinence: A condition in which control over the urethral sphincter is lost or weakened, leading to involuntary loss of urine.
- Urinary retention: A condition in which the urethral sphincter does not relax properly, making it difficult to fully empty the bladder.
- Prostate: A gland in males that surrounds the urethra just below the bladder. Conditions affecting the prostate, such as prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia, can affect the function of the urethral sphincter.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Urethral sphincter
- Wikipedia's article - Urethral sphincter
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