What it means
A circular muscle that works like a drawstring. The lower esophageal sphincter keeps stomach contents from flowing back; the pyloric sphincter controls food leaving the stomach; the urinary sphincters hold urine in the bladder; and the anal sphincters hold stool. Weak sphincters lead to refluxREE-fluksA backward flow of fluid, most often of stomach contents up into the esophagus.Full entry or incontinencein-KON-tih-nensLoss of control over the bladder or bowel, so urine or stool leaks out without the person meaning it to.in- notcontin/o to hold back-ence state ofFull entry .
At a glance
| Spanish | esfínter |
|---|---|
| Also written | sphincters |
Related terms
incontinence
Loss of control over the bladder or bowel, so urine or stool leaks out without the person meaning it to.
reflux
A backward flow of fluid, most often of stomach contents up into the esophagus.
anus
The opening at the lower end of the bowel where stool leaves the body.
urinary incontinence
Leaking of urine that a person cannot control.