Sphincter

Etymology
From sphincter:, from  σφιγκτήρ:, from σφίγγω:. Compare Sphinx, "the strangler".

Noun

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

Synonyms

 * anatomical sphincter

Derived terms

 * anal sphincter
 * lower esophageal sphincter


 * pyloric sphincter
 * sphincteral


 * urethral sphincter
 * upper esophageal sphincter

Related terms

 * sphinx

Translations

 * Chinese:
 * Czech:
 * Finnish:
 * German: Schließmuskel


 * Greek: (sfigktíras)
 * Swedish: ringmuskel
 * Volapük: färmükamamuskul